Whelan

Good Afternoon and welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

I have passed your query to a volunteer. I hope they will be in touch with you soon

Best wishes

Clare Doyle

Genealogy Support

I was wondering if you could help me make a connection?

I'm wondering if Patrick Whelan born on  20 Jan 1820 in Tynagh who's parents are Patrick Whelan & Betty Fallon 

is the same Patrick Whelan that was

married to:

Catherine McDaniel on 11 Nov 1841

and the father to:

Catherine Whelan                     Born 29 Apr 1849    Baptised 12 May 1849 Sponsors  James Burke & Mary Burke

Patrick Whelan                        Born 23 Apr 1854    Baptised 1 May 1854   Sponsors  Martin Horan & Mary Whelan

Bridget Whelan                        Born 25 Jun 1857    Baptised 12 Jul 1857   Sponsors  Richard Clarke & Elizabeth Whelan

Also, what was the practice in the mid 1800's for selecting sponsors for a child's baptism.  I'm trying to find the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth Whelan too.

We are planning a trip to Ireland in the summer of 2017 and plan on making a stop in Portumna and to see the Church of the Ascension. Patrick(1854) sent money from the USA to help support it. We would love to make any connection we can to family.

Hope someone is able to help!

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

Unfortunately, neither set of parents names are listed on the marriage record, making it impossible to be 100% accurate that the Patrick you mention, the son of Patrick and Betty is the same Patrick who married Catherine in 1841 in Tynagh. Unfortunately as the marriage pre-dates the beginning of civil registration in 1864 there will be no Civil or State marriage record available to compare.

You will be left with trying to make an educated guess I'm afraid. The time period would suggest a man who married in his early 20s, a woman from his local parish and having children and staying in the parish. All of this would lead you to the believe this, on the balance of probability, this could be your Patrick. There are about 10 marriage records in Co. Galway for a Patrick Whelan between 1836 and 1846. The 1841 marriage you mention to Catherine is the only one in Tynagh and again this gives credence to your information, assuming that is, that Patrick married someone from his parish of Tynagh and not a girl from a neighbouring parish. 

In relation to sponsors, usually they are sisters and brothers of the parents or very close friends of the family. 

I would love to know more about your trip here next year. Can you contact me closer to the time at cdoyle@irelandxo.com and I will do my best to help you out.

I see there are only 12 Whelan entries on the Griffith's Valuation in Tynagh. You could, if that is part of your planned trip, make a visit to the Valuation Office in Dublin to see if you can learn any more about who held the lands after that time (1856) on the basis that those Whelans might be connected to your Patrick. You can read a little bit more about the process HERE

Best wishes

Clare Doyle

Genealogy Support 

Thanks Clare,

I know it was a long shot but you never know. Once we have our arrangement made I'll be in contact!

Thank you again 

Elizabeth

Hi Clare, I've been meaning to e-mail you. We will be in the Portumna area on Tuesday May 30, 2017 just for the day. We don't have much planned, just going to see the Church of the Ascension and then probably the castle, and workhouse.

If you are around maybe we could meet somewhere.

Elizabeth.

Dear Elizabeth:

Clare is no longer working with Ireland Reaching Out, but I will email her and let her know about your travel plans.

Kind regards,

Jane.

Thanks Jane! Hi Elizabeth

Do make sure you visit the Workhouse, it's a great experience, if not a little sad. Unfortunately I'm not near Portumna that day, but I hope the weather is kind for you. It's always nicer to be able to walk around when the rain doesn't make an appearance! Hope you enjoy your visit and apologies that I am not available to meet with you. 

Best wishes

Clare 

Thanks Jane!

Elizabeth