Orphanages - Ballymena - Magherafelt

[ocian_c]

Hi there,

I am just wondering if anyone knew of any orphanages maybe in the Ballymena or Magherafelt areas.  I have an ancestor who was born in 1919 in Portglenone and sometime in 1925/1926 was left behind by her family when the rest emigrated to NZ.  Her name was Margaret McAteer.

The family tale is that she was left in a home, and we believe she may have had a disability of some sort.

Workhouse records are closed due to the 100 year rule but I have requested a search on my behalf by the staff at PRONI which they are able to complete.  But I am not convinced this type of institute would have taken the child in.  So any ideas of any institutions round this area that may have taken her in would be greatly appreciated.  It is a bit of a needle in a haystack scenario.

The family was Catholic if that has any bearing on suggestions.

Regards,
Ciarán

[aghadowey]

Previous topic-
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=547878.msg4013827#msg4013827

[ocian_c]

Thanks aghadowey, some of my information has changed which is why I have now requested any help with the above institutions.

[ocian_c]

I had no luck with my search with the workhouses. So I visited an old resident of Portglenone to see if they knew anything about this. He heard rumours that the young girl I’m looking for grew up in the area and has a child called Desmond Thompson. He grew up in Bellaghy with the father’s family. He has since passed away. And I’m still no further tracing my Margaret McAteer.