Irish Gypsy Help

[whiteout7]

Being raised by Patrick Collins, would it not follow that he might have the gypsy connection and not the Farnell family?

[ThrelfallYorky]

Surely the exact birthdates given in the 1939 register would help you to trace the births? As someone else has said, simply trace the people, and get them as accurately done as possible, don't fret about "family stories?" - we've all had them, and many grow more romantic with each generation's re-telling, as I'm sure you know.
"Wiganworld" on the web is a good resource for that area, and many on the forum there are really helpful with family history.
Good luck!