Hi Steve. My Brennan's are very sketchy. My late father was Alan Frances Brennan DOB 1925/6, his mother was young and unmarried at the time of his birth and settled in America soon after. I've still no idea where Dad was born (not even the country) never been able to obtain his birth cert, now seems poss he was born in Queens N.Y. His mother was one of 4 children born to Thomas Brennan and his English wife (all children born Ireland) Thomas Brennan is thought to have originated from a large farm Kilkenny where his father also Thomas was a Land Steward. Thomas is thought to have had a brother in the priesthood. Thomas was a travelling musician with his own concert company, his wife was a concert singer. Thomas and wife separated in 1925ish. Thomas was actively involved in the Uprisings he was in Dublin 1920. Nothing more until 1929 when he is living in William St Raphoe. Found details in St Eunan's Raphoe my father Confirmed 1934 Raphoe, living in William Street (most likely with his grandfather Thomas Brennan). No nothing more about my father until he met and married Mum in Manchester England 1947. He was then living with Susan McElhinney and her family. Susan's died 1952, her husband Bernard died sometime earlier. When Susan McElhinney died she left her house and contents to my father not her own children. The McElhinneys originated Raphoe, Lifford Strabane in contact with their family researcher but haven't discovered the connection with my father, no idea if blood connection or not . Raphoe grave yard have many McElhinneys burials. 1900's Raphoe church had priest James and Patrick Brennan from Andara (spelling?) but don't know if related to my Thomas Brennan. Have contacts with other McElhinney researchers can give you details but off line. I do have some other details re Brennan but let me know if any of this connects with you Brennans/McElhinney's. Regards Jackie
