Ballinasloe Lunatic Asylum

[John_K]

I suppose it teaches us something myluck!

Until we see a death certificate, we should assume the individual is not a widow/er.

I'll follow up on this with interest, I'm not even sure if my father's generation are aware of this story.

[aghadowey]

Until we see a death certificate, we should assume the individual is not a widow/er.

Even death certificates contain errors- a 'recent' family one lists wife as a widow but we know her estranged husband died 9 years later. His death certificate says divorced but that's not straight-forward either 

[John_K]

Until we see a death certificate, we should assume the individual is not a widow/er.

Even death certificates contain errors- a 'recent' family one lists wife as a widow but we know her estranged husband died 9 years later. His death certificate says divorced but that's not straight-forward either 

Oh what a tangled web we weave...

[Marion33]

My great grandfather worked at the Ballinasloe Lunatic Asylum his name was Patrick John Byrne (1882) and his wife was Nora Fallon (1884) I wonder where/if I could find some more information regarding his employment there.   I have also found a William Byrne and his wife Bridget Flynn who were the Gate Porters at the District Asylum.  Looks like their son Thomas Christoper Byrne was born there.   I presume they lived somewhere on the site?   Must have been awful.

[Kerrill]

Hi Marion,
              I to have been looking for employee's records as my granddad worked there to he was there on the 1911 census and probably some years after but had no luck yet.If  I get any info will PM you.

[myluck!]

I am not sure where the old staff records are held, if still available.
After the formation of the state it was ran by the County Council and then it was under the Western Health Board from c1970 when that was formed
LINK to one statistical report.
The hospital closed a few years ago and is still owned by the HSE as far as I am aware
The HSE may be able to help as to where historic files are.

You could also try:
Galway Family History Society West Ltd.
St. Joseph’s Community Centre, Ashe Road, Shantalla, Galway City

Patrick BYRNE was already working in the Hospital when he married Norah FALLON in 1914 LINK
LINK to 1911 census for Asylum showing staff including Patrick BYRNE & Norah FALLON

ARTICLE on St. Brigid's Ballinasloe's history including a photograph of staff in 1935

Photograph of Building

LINK - There are further photographs at the National Library

[Marion33]

My luck thank you for links I will contact the HSA and see if they hold the records.

Many thanks

[Kerrill]

Have been in touch with HSA and they said there was no records to there knowledge.

[Marion33]

I called today too and yes same as you.  There is another hospital - st Bridget’s I called them but they knew nothing.