Leech and Connors Families of Cahermore

[kenudy]

My great grandmother was Bridget Leech of Cahermore, Galway married Michael Connors (father John) in 1873 and died in childbirth with my grandmother Catherine in 1887. I am trying to find out any further information and I would like to visit the graves during an upcoming Easter trip. Can anyone provide details of where people of the town of Cahermore, at that time would attend church (RC) and be buried?On the 1911 census of Cahermore, there is a Leech family down the road consisting of Anne and William Leech who may have been her parents. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[michael riddell]

hi
just wondering if you have had any luck in tracing leech ,as i am also trying to trace leech's in the gort area

[kenudy]

Yes, I have found records of many Leech family members in and around Cahermore and Kinvara Galway. What is the name and the dates of your Leech family relative? I have found them on the census and Griffith's evaluation.

[michael riddell]

john leech, his son patrick (my greatgrand father) was born in 1866,does that ring any bells??

[deirdre carroll]

Hello,

There might possibly be a connection.

In researching a Donohue forbear, I discovered that my great great grandmother Bridget Donohue, born c. 1820 had a number of siblings, one of whom was called Kitty/Catherine. A Kitty Donohue married a Martin Leech in 1839 in Ardrahan parish. In subsequent land records there was a Martin Leech in Cahermore. It is possible that this is your family, going back a generation beyond your research?
 
For info, my Bridget Donohue married Patrick Mannion in Ardrahan in 1849. They are associated with a number of neighbouring parishes such as Kilthomas, Kilbeacanty, Kilmacduagh etc.. possibly because they were herds (shepherds). They ended up living in Crusheen, County Clare.

Regards,

Deirdre Carroll, Dublin, Ireland.

[kenudy]

Dear Deirdre,

Sincere thanks for this information. I does appear that your Martin Leech is ours as well. I really appreciate you reaching out and sending this information. I visited Cahermore in 2010-2011 and spoke to the neighbors still living in that area and I believe our ancestors had very hard times (then) especially Bridget and her daughter Catherine who was a servant from age 7 until she emigrated to New York. Many Thanks ~ Judy   

[deirdre carroll]

Thanks Judy,

That's interesting. I cannot say with absolute certainty that it was "my" Kitty Donohue who married Martin Leech but location and time period fit. Do you know if there are any direct descendants of Martin Leech living there or close by?

Regards,

Deirdre