Bill
I’ve had a look for you!
Link to 1901 census for family at house 9 in Hollygrove (Killeroran, Galway)
Link to 1911 Census Return for family at house 2 in Hollygrove (Killeroran, Galway)
As you stated, in 1911, Bridget stated they were married 33 years
with 11 children of which 9 were living;
between the 1901 and 1911 census we can see nine children’s details:
Mary Eleanor b. May 01 1878 Hollygrove according to baptism records
Civil record Mountbellew 1878 Q2 V4 P432
John Francis b. Jul 13 1879 Hollygrove according to baptism records
Civil record Mountbellew 1879 Q3 V4 P393
Patrick Joseph Civil record Mountbellew 1881 Q2 V4 P382
Delia Ann Civil record Mountbellew 1883 Q1 V4 P385
Edward Vincent Civil record Mountbellew 1886 Q2 V4 P250
Arthur Walter Civil record Mountbellew 1887 Q4 V4 P315
Peter Ignatius Civil record Mountbellew 1890 Q3 V4 P314
Michael Thomas Civil record Mountbellew 1892 Q2 V4 P324
Martin Ambrose Civil record Mountbellew 1897 Q1 V4 P339
With the earliest birth shown in mid 1878 it is reasonable to assume that
Edward SOMERS and Bridget DOWD/DOWDE/DOUD married in 1877 or earlier,
however I cannot find a marriage either.
Using a bit of lateral thinking the following may be something to look at:
On Feb 24 1876 in Athleague, Co. Roscommon,
an Elizabeth SOMERS of Tremane married Laurence CONNOR.
Elizabeth’s parents are shown as John SOMERS and Ann WATSON
There is a baptism in Athleague on Jan 06 1856 of an Edward SOMERS
to John and Anne (no surname given but one of the sponsors is a Walter Watson).
The names tie together with the eldest of Edward and Bridget’s children being
John Francis
and the fact that another is Arthur
WalterLooking at all the births/baptisms will give further clues but this could be the right path to follow!