Greetings everyone!
I'm Mags and I've always had an interest in my family history. Having been laid up with a bad foot for the last few weeks, I've been building the family tree to keep myself sane but I'm coming up against brick walls.
I've applied for the marriage cert but I'm afraid the result won't get me too much farther than confirming this man married my Great Grandmother Maria in Co. Galway in 1933. Maria has a slightly unusual background regarding marriage so I'm wondering if anyone here may have heard or come across either of them in their research.
MATHEW O'HALLORAN married MARIA LEWIS formerly MARIA O'MALLEY formerly MARIA CONNOLLY in the district of MOUNTBELLEW. CO. GALWAY in 1933 (jan-march). Maria was originally from BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY but family lore has it that she met Mathew (spelt as on the marriage cert detailing) in TUAM, CO. GALWAY.
Their daughter MARGARET (my grandmother) told her children that her father's people were from LOUGHREA, CO. GALWAY and that they were BAKERS by trade. I have had no luck finding or confirming the existence of Mathew in Loughrea from either 1901 or 1911 census forms although I have found Maria in both years and the existence of Halloran and O'Holloran bakers in the town. I don't know date of death or birth or what any family first names could be. Margaret had one brother MICHAEL but both individuals have passed on and no one left can shed any information.
Maria (approx 37 y/o) had 4 children at the time of her marriage to Mathew - 2 to each previous husband - which is why I think she may stick in people's minds especially as one of them would have been 19/20 at the time of their marriage. Mathew is supposed to be buried in Loughrea but I can't confirm this.
If there is anyone here from the LOUGHREA area, I'm curious about the graveyards there. I won't be able to visit until my foot is healed but if you can help me direct my inquires I would be grateful.
Hope someone can help me out,
Mags
