McNAMARA/KILDERRY/KERIN from Kilfenora

[Mylett]

Is anyone else researching the above from the wonderfully named Kilfenora?

Michael b. 1836 sone of James McNAMARA and Margaret KILDERRY - Kilfenora. The family arrived in Australia on 'Lloyds' in Sept. 1856

with a cousin, Mary (aka) KAIRNS - d of Patrick KERIN and Margaret McNAMARA.

Hoping to hear from someone - must be records on 1 or 2 Michael McNamara's I reckon!

Gail (in Australia)

[Christopher]

Hiya Gail,

I have just spotted a rare book "The Story of an Irish Sept the origins and history of the Macnamaras"
The book was written by Nottidge Charles Macnamara, FRCS and at one time a surgeon in the Indian army.
The book was first published in 1896. It is now being reprinted. The book tells the story of the Macnamara family from the dawn of history to the start of the 20th Century. http://homepage.eircom.net/~asdfgh/macnamara
This site http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/history/frost/chap16_fineen_oge_macnamara.htm is about seventeenth Century Macnamaras.

Your ancestors must have left some relations behind when they left Kilfenora. Some young Macnamaras attended Kilfenora National School during the years 1886-1908 as the register for boys shows. http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/genealogy/kilfenora_ns/kilfenora_ns_register_by_date.htm

Griffiths Valuation of Ireland, which was conducted in Co. Clare in 1855, shows no one by the name McNamara but is shows a number named Macnamara. There are four Michaels but no mention of Kilfenora.

The wedding of a daughter of a Capt. John Michael Macnamara was mentioned in the Ennis Chronicle dated 20th June 1827. Marriage On the 13th inst., by special license,  by the Very Rev. Dean Stacpoole, of the Cathedral Church of Kilfenora, Mathias Stacpoole, Esq., of Moymore House, to Louisa Mary, daughter of Captain John Michael Macnamara ( of the Royal Marines) of Rocklodge. http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Clare/1827/JUN.html

Best Wishes, Chris

[Mylett]

Thanks a lot Christopher - great work! 

Guess what I'll be doing the rest of the weekend! Am particularly pleased about what I've found so far because every time I thought about researching a McNamara I could feel the will to live seeping away.

Have sent off an email to Martin Breen regarding the book ... it will be a nice present for Bob.

All the best,
Gail