Mitchell and Keane family

Dear  parishiners,

My name is Alma DeMenna. My mother, Margaret Keane, was listed in the 1901 census as living in the household of Thomas B. Mitchell, a farmer, age 57. His address was Caherelly, Co. Limerick.  Others residing in the household were Mary  Mitchell (wife - age 38)), Edmund Connolly (visitor - age 8), Margaret Keane (my Mom, domestic servant -  age18) and William Heddermier (Farm servant  age 16).

My mother,  Margaret Keane left Ireland in June, 1902 on the ship St. Paul.  She arrived in New York City .  On the ship manifest, she was listed as Maggie Keane, age 19. She also listed Thomas B Mitchell as a cousin who would be a contact in Ireland, She was met by her mother, Elizabeth Keane.

My mother seldom spoke of her life in Ireland. I know one of the things she brought with her from Ireland was a cow's horn. I believe she wanted to remember her stay on the farm. Other than that we do not know where she spent her younger years. She did say she went to St. Mary's School in Limerick. She was quire bright, could recite many poems and was well educated. She did not speak the Irish language since it was not taught at that time.  If she were living at home with a family, I would think that the language would have been spoken there from family members who knew it from an earlier time.

We do not know where my mother lived in her earlier years. The 1901 census is the only place where we findan address for her. The earlier years are a mystery. I was hoping someone in your parish might be related to the Mitchell family, or possibly Keane family members might still be residing in the area. My mother did say that she lived "On the hill in Ballybricken." However, the only conclusive address for her is the one in the  1901 Census living with the Mitchell family.

I would appreciate if someone in your parish might have any information for me. I would be very greatful.

Many thanks,

Alma DeMenna  (hillbriggan@gmail.com)