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Ireland (Historical Counties) => Ireland => Mayo => Topic started by: DavidTaylor on Monday 14 May 12 00:26 BST (UK)
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Hello:
My wife's family the McDonnell's supposedly have some affiliation with Moorehall in Mayo.
http://www.moorehall.com/historyhall.htm
From what I read, Mr. Moore bought the land to build this home from a Farragh Mc Donnell in the 18th century. Supposedly my wife's McDonnell's derive from this man and her great grandfather Alexander McDonnell even had Moorehall put on his tombstone. I can't find any direct link to this man as they have Alexander McDonnell's going back about 5 generations which should take them back to the 18th century.
I'm not sure what they could have been paid for the land since this Alexander was a farmer.
They also believe they originally were given this land as a gift from some British royalty.
Is anyone on here familiar with this story or related to this line?
Thank you
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Hi David,
I am a descendent of this family as my mother is a McDonnell, and I'm familiar with the stories about them. I don't know how old your message is but feel free to get in touch if you wish to.
Regards,
Cathal
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Hi David,
I am a descendent of this family as my mother is a McDonnell, and I'm familiar with the stories about them. I don't know how old your message is but feel free to get in touch if you wish to.
Regards,
Cathal
Thanks so much. Are you in Ireland? Ill take a look at what I have. This is actually my wife's family... Does any of what I've written above ring true?
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Hi David,
My mother has done a lot of the geneaology on her family, the McDonnells of Moorehall ... You're right that the Moores bought land from the McDonnells, and I think my mother showed me a copy of the Deed concerning that transaction. You see the McDonnells were gallowglas, i.e. mercenary (professional) soldiers to the Burkes, and as far as I'm aware, they were awarded land after helping an English captain to take Shrule Castle in what is now in Co. Mayo. However, I'll get the accurate story from my mother, or ask her to write to you instead as I'm rather hazy on it. However, the Irish writer, George Moore, according to my mother is writing about the McDonnells in his short story, "The Wedding Gown" in his collection, "The Untilled Field" although he changes the surname to O'Dwyer ... your wife might like to read it. Our family are now living in Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland but her grandfather, Alexander McDonnell had emigrated to England in the late 19th century. Subsequently, her father Francis Alexander McDonnell returned to Ireland just before WWII, and we're here ever since.
What is your wife's name and who were her father and grandfather ... Was there a John Joe McDonnell by any chance because he lived in New York, and my aunt, Nora (nee McDonnell) visited him there in the 1960s, and wrote down a family tree that he had memorized. We keep returning to that family tree. Do keep in touch.
Cathal
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Hi,
Not sure if anyone is still looking at this thread, but the McDonnell's from Mayo and move to Bolton beg me to ask. I am trying to find links to my ancestors from Co Mayo. I have a G2 Grandfather, Michael McDonnell (McDonald) who moved from Mayo to Bolton some time after 1840 (his birth) and 1866 when he married an Ann Dootson. His fathers name was Patrick, and was also from Mayo. Not sure if he cane to Bolton or not, but maybe a link? If this seems to have any common ground, please let me know. I still have quite a few relatives in the Lancs/Manchester area. Looking to link back to Ireland and then even Scotland?
Andrew
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Hi David,
My mother has done a lot of the geneaology on her family, the McDonnells of Moorehall ... You're right that the Moores bought land from the McDonnells, and I think my mother showed me a copy of the Deed concerning that transaction. You see the McDonnells were gallowglas, i.e. mercenary (professional) soldiers to the Burkes, and as far as I'm aware, they were awarded land after helping an English captain to take Shrule Castle in what is now in Co. Mayo. However, I'll get the accurate story from my mother, or ask her to write to you instead as I'm rather hazy on it. However, the Irish writer, George Moore, according to my mother is writing about the McDonnells in his short story, "The Wedding Gown" in his collection, "The Untilled Field" although he changes the surname to O'Dwyer ... your wife might like to read it. Our family are now living in Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland but her grandfather, Alexander McDonnell had emigrated to England in the late 19th century. Subsequently, her father Francis Alexander McDonnell returned to Ireland just before WWII, and we're here ever since.
What is your wife's name and who were her father and grandfather ... Was there a John Joe McDonnell by any chance because he lived in New York, and my aunt, Nora (nee McDonnell) visited him there in the 1960s, and wrote down a family tree that he had memorized. We keep returning to that family tree. Do keep in touch.
Cathal
Hi Cathal,
This is all incredibly interesting to me! I'm also a descendent of the McDonnells of Moore Hall. My grandmother was Delia (Brigid) and her parents were Alexander and Mary McDonnell. Her brother John Joe was my mom's uncle. My grandmother, her sisters Nora, Agnes and John Joe all lived in Brooklyn, NY but there were a lot more siblings. I remember May coming to visit in maybe the 1980's(?) and she lived in England. My grandmother told us about growing up at Moore Hall; they lived in the front house and had the run of the land before the big house was burned. It was amazing to me to find the maps of Moore Hall in it's prime and see her descriptions were spot on. I've found a headstone online for Alexander and Mary that matches the picture of the headstone that my grandmother had of her parents burial site, so I know it's the same one, but there's mention of an Eddie on the monument. Does that make any sense to you? My mother said she knows that there was a James that passed away as an infant when my grandmother was school age, but no recollection of Eddie. Thanks!
I can't wait to tell my mom that we're descendants of mercenaries. ;D
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Hi David,
My mother has done a lot of the geneaology on her family, the McDonnells of Moorehall ... You're right that the Moores bought land from the McDonnells, and I think my mother showed me a copy of the Deed concerning that transaction. You see the McDonnells were gallowglas, i.e. mercenary (professional) soldiers to the Burkes, and as far as I'm aware, they were awarded land after helping an English captain to take Shrule Castle in what is now in Co. Mayo. However, I'll get the accurate story from my mother, or ask her to write to you instead as I'm rather hazy on it. However, the Irish writer, George Moore, according to my mother is writing about the McDonnells in his short story, "The Wedding Gown" in his collection, "The Untilled Field" although he changes the surname to O'Dwyer ... your wife might like to read it. Our family are now living in Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland but her grandfather, Alexander McDonnell had emigrated to England in the late 19th century. Subsequently, her father Francis Alexander McDonnell returned to Ireland just before WWII, and we're here ever since.
What is your wife's name and who were her father and grandfather ... Was there a John Joe McDonnell by any chance because he lived in New York, and my aunt, Nora (nee McDonnell) visited him there in the 1960s, and wrote down a family tree that he had memorized. We keep returning to that family tree. Do keep in touch.
Cathal
Hi Cathal,
This is all incredibly interesting to me! I'm also a descendent of the McDonnells of Moore Hall. My grandmother was Delia (Brigid) and her parents were Alexander and Mary McDonnell. Her brother John Joe was my mom's uncle. My grandmother, her sisters Nora, Agnes and John Joe all lived in Brooklyn, NY but there were a lot more siblings. I remember May coming to visit in maybe the 1980's(?) and she lived in England. My grandmother told us about growing up at Moore Hall; they lived in the front house and had the run of the land before the big house was burned. It was amazing to me to find the maps of Moore Hall in it's prime and see her descriptions were spot on. I've found a headstone online for Alexander and Mary that matches the picture of the headstone that my grandmother had of her parents burial site, so I know it's the same one, but there's mention of an Eddie on the monument. Does that make any sense to you? My mother said she knows that there was a James that passed away as an infant when my grandmother was school age, but no recollection of Eddie. Thanks!
I can't wait to tell my mom that we're descendants of mercenaries. ;D
Hi who is this Brooklyn relative? Your mother must know Eileen (Flanagan) Shea I assume? THANKS
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Absolutely! I'm Maureen Judge's daughter, Eileen. :D
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Absolutely! I'm Maureen Judge's daughter, Eileen. :D
Hello there.. I am David, I'm married to Eileen's granddaughter Jacqueline
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Blimey - such a small world, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised given that the post is very specific to our family! :) Very nice to meet you and please pass along my regards to your family! From what my grandmother told us, her grandfather and father (and apparently their fathers going back for generations) "ran the place" and had their home on the property, so that's why it's written on the headstone. My nana always referred to home as Moorehall. I met two cousins who grew up in that house when I was in Ireland about 15 years ago... their brother Al, whom I didn't have the opportunity to meet, is still leading the charge to have Moore Hall restored. I hope to get back sometime soon to see it - I couldn't find it when I was there.
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Hi,
I came across this thread and thought you may be able to help me. My direct Ancestor, Anthony McDonnell was born in Headford, Co. Galway in about 1775. He joined the British Army and died at Radipool in 1812. Headford is just over the border from Co Mayo and Shrule Castle which was given to a Farragh McDonnell as a thanks for his services in the taking of the Castle in 1570. He immediately sold it to William de Burgo (Burke). The interesting thing about Anthony is that he named his first son Joseph Farragh McDonnell and the name persisted in the family for 3 generations. If any of this rings any bells with any McDonnell descendants I would love to hear from you.
Regards
Paul Robinson
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I can't help you as I am not back that far however do you have any other information on Anthony's father?
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My great great grandparents Alexander (Alick) and Mary Cannon McDonnell resided at Moorehall. I have a letter dated Dec 21st, 1910 sent from Alick to his son Henry (Harry) McDonnell my great grandfather with the return address of Moorehall, Ballyglass Co Mayo. I'm assuming we are distant cousins. I also have a picture of who I believe is Alick in front of a bungalow. We are planning on a pilgrimage this summer to Moorehall to learn more about our heritage. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi Bob and welcome to the family, we would love to see the letter. I have you great grandfather date of birth as 29 Sept 1864. Henry's brother Francis is Cathal and my great grandfather. If your coming to Ireland we would love to meet up with you and talk family trees. We are just outside Dublin. My mum (Francis' granddaughter) would also be delighted to meet with you too. You need to post twice then you can pm me and we can see if we can make arrangements to meet up. Cathal has put up some of the family history above.
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That is correct, Henry's birthday was Sept. 29th 1864. I would be more than happy to share a copy of the letter. Once we pm we can work out the logistics of sending a copy of the letter.
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That would be lovely,I work pm you with my details
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http://irishgraveyards.ie/plot.php?plotno=133&yardid=89§ion=A
Link to Gravestone mentioned above
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Alexander McDonnell M ? Kilkeil
Alexander McDonnell - M - Elizabeth Fitzgerald
John Joe McDonnell Alexander McDonnell - M - Mary Lavelle
(possible search DOB 1799) Died 1852
Their Children
Edward Peter, Elizabeth, Henry, James, Jane, Joe, Kathleen, Alick McDonnell - M - Mary Cannon
(Married about 1857
as per 1911 Census)
DOB About 1835
Alick McDonnell and Mary Cannons Children
Francis Henry Seamus or James John Patrick Alexander Mary
1861 – 1933 1864 - 1948 1865 - 1939 1866 - 1870 - 1871 - 1954 1876 -
And we all come from one of these if you can fill gaps on any of the above dates that would be
great. I have the parish record for the Baptism of all Alick and Marys Children and this sometimes can be before the birth on official records, Children had to be registered by a certain period after the birth and it was not always possible to do so within the time frame because registry offices are not in local towns. it was done when they went into town and to avoid a fine the birthday was moved to within the registry period.
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,
,#,
,
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Alexander McDonnell M ? Kilkeil
Alexander McDonnell - M - Elizabeth Fitzgerald
John Joe McDonnell Alexander McDonnell - M - Mary Lavelle
(possible search DOB 1799) Died 1852
Their Children
Edward Peter, Elizabeth, Henry, James, Jane, Joe, Kathleen, Alick McDonnell - M - Mary Cannon
(Married about 1857
as per 1911 Census)
DOB About 1835
Alick McDonnell and Mary Cannons Children
Francis Henry Seamus or James John Patrick Alexander Mary
1861 – 1933 1864 - 1948 1865 - 1939 1866 - 1870 - 1871 - 1954 1876 -
And we all come from one of these if you can fill gaps on any of the above dates that would be
great. I have the parish record for the Baptism of all Alick and Marys Children and this sometimes can be before the birth on official records, Children had to be registered by a certain period after the birth and it was not always possible to do so within the time frame because registry offices are not in local towns. it was done when they went into town and to avoid a fine the birthday was moved to within the registry period.
IF they were RC....have you searched the Church Registers that are online free??
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Yes I have, sadly the NLI Parish birth records online for the area, only run from 1839 to 1881, this has given me the date of baptism for all the children of Alick McDonnell but sadly not Alick himself, who is just outside the scope. Alick was born abt 1835, Mary Cannon his wife is older so around 1830/1825 ish depending on which census you go by.
But any gaps you can fill in would be greatly appreciated. I have not completed the next generation here, which is our great grand parent (there are a lot of them, around 17 at last count before including their children and grandchildren). Most of Alick's children emigrated to the USA and England. When I get that far I will post it and hopefully helping to reconnected more of the family.
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Mary Kiely born McDonnell B 1879 when to the usa on 27 Jan 1930 to stay with her son Michael
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Another bit of information Margaret Kiely (1908 - 1956) daughter of Mary McDonnell (1876) married Patrick Keary in 1932 in New York.
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Hello Mac Donnell's
MY Grandmother mentioned that there was Mac Donnell in my family. Julia Mac Donnell. She was referred too as lady Julia and her father Sir. about the time of 1860 Does any body have a Julia in there family ?
Many thanks.
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Welcome to RootsChat :)
For others, here's information about the history of Moorehall. It's situated to the south of the village of Carnacon in County Mayo.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore_Hall,_County_Mayo
https://www.rootschat.com/links/01qyq/
KG
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Hello Mac Donnell's
MY Grandmother mentioned that there was Mac Donnell in my family. Julia Mac Donnell. She was referred too as lady Julia and her father Sir. about the time of 1860 Does any body have a Julia in there family ?
Many thanks.
Sorry Clark7777, I have not come across any Julia, Although our McDonnells seem to have connections with the important Families in Mayo (Fitzgerald, Moore Jordan, Browns, Cruffs etc) they did not have any titles so I would say that there is no connection between our McDonnell. But as your MacDonnell's do have a title then they should show up in one of the peerage books. Do you know where they lived that would be a good place to start. Another small point is your MacDonnell's are "Mac" and for the most part ours are "Mc's" of course there are exceptions.
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If anyone has info on my great grandparents Patrick McDonnell and his wife Brigid Agnes Moore, to text me thanks. Both from mayo Ireland.