Michael Joseph Downey died April 1917 is remembered on the village war memorial in Munslow, Shropshire, where I live. I am researching all the men recorded in the village but I cannot find why Michael Joseph came to Munslow and why he joined the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. I understand that he is also named on a memorial in Castlecomer. His war record states that he was the 'son of the late Martin and Mary Downey, of Firoda, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.'
I would be very grateful if anyone could give me some biographical details of M J and his family, as I am putting together a book of remembrance for him and the other men in the village that died in WW1.
Many thanks ..... Anne
Friday 9th Jan 2015, 08:14PM
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Anne:
Below are the 1901 and 1911 census records for the family. Michael was not listed with the family in either census. The mother Mary died before 1901. In 1901 the family was living in Donaguile townland in Castlecomer civil parish and in 1911 they were in Firoda Lower townland also in Castlecomer parish. It appears that there were 10 Downey children and only 8 were living in 1911.
Let me know if you have questions
Roger McDonnell
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Kilkenny/Castlecomer/D…
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Kilkenny/Attanagh/Glen…
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Friday 9th Jan 2015, 08:35PM -
Thank you Roger for such a speedy response. I will follow up the information that you have given me and may return but I have to sign off for now.
Many thanks ..... Anne
Friday 9th Jan 2015, 08:50PM -
Anne:
You may also want to contact the Castlecomer Library.
Roger
http://kilkennylibrary.kilkenny.ie/eng/Libraries_Locations/Castlecomer_…
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Saturday 10th Jan 2015, 12:46AM