Brucky
My great-great-grandfather was also called George Woods and lived in Cavan. But he is a contemporary of yours, and so not the same guy. But, perhaps coincidentally, a witness at my George's marriage in 1873 was Susanna Phillips, ie same name as your great-great-grandmother.
The marriage certificate for my George Woods to Ann Gilliland states:
George Woods and Ann Gilliland were married on 13 March 1873 at Loughmourne Presbyterian Church, parish of Aughnamullen, Castleblayney, co Monaghan. George Woods was a bachelor of "full" age (no figure given) and a farmer residing at Pottle, parish of Bailieborough, co Cavan. His father was Charles Woods, farmer. Ann Gilliland was a spinster aged 20 years, no profession, of Aghmakerr (writing isn't too clear), parish of Aughnamullen, co Monaghan. Her father was Joseph Gilliland, farmer. The witnesses were James G Mahood and Susanna Phillips.
Although married in a Presbyterian Church (bride's connection), George Woods was Church of Ireland, like your man. Probably also coincidentally, I note that your George was in the RIC, and my family included several policemen (although later on in Glasgow).
George Woods and Ann Gilliland lived for many years at Mullantra, Kingscourt, co Cavan. Their children included: Thomas born 1876, George, Annie, Alice born 1878, Robert born 1879, Letitia born c 1881, Emily born 1881, Joseph born 1886, William Henry born c 1890 and Isaac born 1894.
I posted more information about the family on this site last year. You will find my post down below in the Cavan forum (last post was 7 March 2010).
Anyway, maybe all just little bits of coincidence - or maybe a connection still to be discovered.
Regards
David
