My wife's great grandfather, Michael Grogan, came to Ulverston from Ireland in the 1850s and lodged in Tyson's Square, where both Lawrence and James Farrell lived later. My information suggests that Michael came from the mining villages in Knockrath parish, Wicklow. Do you know if the Farrells came from there? Could Maria have been a relative of Michael? Although this is probably of no direct help to you, if you need confirmation of Farrell ancestors in parish registers or other records, I am visiting the National Library of Ireland on Dec.3rd for our research and would be happy to look for you. Howard Richards

So glad to hear from you but not much info to go on - I am certain that James and John were brothers and sons of Mary ( living with James -1871 census , mother - and John's wife , Ann, registered Mary's death as informant - daughter ih law. )They all acted as sponsors at their children's baptisms as well - but the only clue I really have is that John put "Wicklow" in 1891 census as did Bridget Farrell (unmarried cook, whom I've earmarked as a sister.)Have to start somewhere and as there was a Lawrence, a James and a Mary on the Griffith's valuation in Baltinglass this seemed the obvious place to start.Lawrence's children born in Ireland were :-Catherine 1857 - Margaret 1861 -Frances 1864 .(Dates taken from census's Next daughter born Feb. 1865 in Ulverston.I'd love it if you could have a quick look but don't neglect your own for me! Promised 87 year old mum I'll take her to where they come from but want to be pretty sure before I set off - can't drag her too far with 2 replacement knees !!
Many thanks - Shirley.

No sign of a Michael Grogan but Dennis , Catherine and Matthew were sponsors at 3 different baptisms.I can access (for anyone interested ) b.m.d for St. Mary's R.C.Church, Ulverston - but only from about 1860 - 1890 (all they have at Preston Record Office ) Maria Farrell (nee Grogan) died 24 Nov. 1874 aged 39 from pneumonia.

Thank you for the reply. Your information re. Farrells does point towards Baltinglass rather than Knockrath. The Grogan connection is interesting. Dennis, Catherine and Matthew are all names in my wife's family. I would be pleased to know which baptisms they sponsored. In addition send any relevant information concerning Farrells prior to my visit to Ireland that may help with research, either through the forum or to my email
Regards, Howard Richards.

I am descended from Farrells from Wicklow, from Elizabeth, daughter of James and Mary Farrell! They came from Drumgoff near Rathdrum! I believe Drumgoff is now called Glenmalure. The names you mention are the godparents and witnesses at Farrell baptisms and marriages! There were Byrnes, Nolans or Nowlans, Farrells and O'Neils! My Elizabeth married a Stephen Nolan and they emigrated to Victoria, Australia in 1858 with four of their children, John, James, Andrew and Stephen Nolan. All of the above has been verified by the Wicklow Historical Society. Diane Jakubans

How good to hear from someone from so far.My Gx3 grandmother was definitely Mary but I had earmarked a William Farrell as her husband as all 3 "boys" called their 1st. born son - William. Seemed logical!.
Do you have date of marriage for your James and Mary + Mary's maiden name ?
Will be wonderful if they are one and the same couple. A friend has found Lawrence and Mary Grogan's marriage for me - 1853 at Carrawaystick - believed to be part of Knockrath.Look forward to further revelations !!
P.S. Were there any Grogans at these baptisms ? - just wondered how far these 2 families were entwined ??!!

I'm sorry, there are none named William in my Farrell ancestors.
Godparents for Stephen Nowlan/Nolan and wife Eliza/Elizabeth Farrell's children are a Catherine, Mary and Patrick Farrell. Most of the other godparents were Byrnes! Other Nowlan/Nolan family baptisms have godparents Matthew, Catherine, Mary, James and Patrick Farrell. All baptisms took place in Drumgoff or Rathdrum, County Wicklow. Have you thought that your ancestor may have been referring to Wicklow Town? My gggrandparents Michael O'Neil and Mary Ann Nolan were married in Wicklow Town and I always thought he was referring to the County!

I have found out a little more -
there were at least 4 Farrell brothers - Lawrence, Patrick
( predeceased his daughter, Julia who died in 1875 ) James and John ( I have found no sisters yet - but I'll bet there were some.! )- their mother was definitely Mary and I say William for father, as 3 out of 4 of the boys named their first born, William.
Mary Grogan was born at Knockrath, (part of the parish of Rathdrum ) to Patrick Grogan and Mary Whaley / Healey. ( the friend who found it said the writing was only just legible ).
Ann Byrne / Burn was a witness to the wedding of Lawrence and Maria, and their children were -
Catherine 1857 Ire.
Margaret 1861 "
Frances 1864 "
Bridget 1865 Eng.
Winifred 1867 "
William 1867 "
John 1871 "
Julia 1873 "
No more yet - but there does seem to be some connection with the Byrnes / Burns.

I am searching for a GEORGE HIND b.c. 1806 somewhere in Ireland according to UK census details. I believe he married Mary b. Scotland and settled in Carlisle in Cumbria. He has several children, the first Samuel b.c. 1829 Wamphray Scotland, the others were all born in Carlisle. I am descended from his 4th child Jane Hind b.c. 1837/8 but I have no idea how to find out anymore about him. Can anyone help? Many thanks.

I have just visited Wicklow Town and the Drumgoff area a couple of weeks ago and met a very nice man, Jimmy Nolan, 83 years old! His mother was a Farrell! He lives in the Drumgoff area and tells me the Nolans and Farrells would probably be buried in the Glendalough Cemetery. I found that Drumgoff is an area, not a village and the Byrnes were a prolific lot, both in Wicklow Town and Rathdrum. Some of them famous too!