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My gt grandfather was born near Oldcastle in 1859.
He joined the army at age 18 in 1877. 

The army records state that he had a "4th class" level of education.
Records also state that at age 18 he had already been in the Meath militia.

What exactly does that mean in the context of education at that time?
Does it mean he was educated to about age 9 only?

After years of searching I've finally discovered through army records that my gt. grandfather MICHAEL GREEN was listed as being born in "Oldcastle parish, near Oldcastle town, County Meath."

He had been in the Meath Militia, then joined the 64th brigade in Navan at age 18 in 1877. 
(Source: The National Archives; Kew, England)

The family never spoke of his parents or siblings so I've wondered if he had been orphaned.

Now that I have this birth information, and we know he is buried in Knocktemple Cemetary (d. 1906), how can I go about finding a birth and death certificate?  He was listed as being Roman Catholic and if he was 18 in 1877 he would have been born about 1859.

Is it best to pursue parish records or civil records for that time?

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After all this time I finally got copies of my gt grandfather's military service records from The National Archives in Kew, England. 

My grandfather served first in the Royal Meath Militia, then signed on at age 18 (in 1877) to the 64th Brigade in Navan, County Meath.  Later, in 1883, he signed with the 1st Battalion of the Leinster Reg't. and went to the East Indies.

I'd like to learn more about these regiments - have "Googled" a little.
Anyone know anything about these?

My great-grandfather was an Irishman who served in the British Army circa 1890 to 1905.  I believe he may have been sent over to the Boer War.

I don't know what regiment he served in. I understand that he died in 1905 while still serving in the army.  How can I find out more about his service?

Your're right and that is what I'm trying to do now - obtain death records. I haven't found any obituaries yet.

So far all records I've seen just say "Ireland" as where the family is from, except on one later US census which said "No. Ireland" , Given that the names in the family: Brown, Carr, Townsend, Davis, appear to sound more Scots or English I revised my search to the northern counties.

As for Ella Carr's name: The only daughter is named Isabella so I suspect she was named after her mother. Of course, Ella was a shortened name for several of those listed.

I'm also hoping I can locate a distant cousin in a direct line that would be willing to do dna testing which might indicate what region/family group the dna was connected to.

Well, thanks for your interest and repsonse - the search continues!