Have been having another look at this and pretty convinced there are links to an extended family in Bawnboy,Leitrim.
There is mention in earlier threads of a Francis Stringer age 32, born Ballinamore, Leitrim,who was convicted at Sligo in 1911 and gives a brother Thomas in Glasgow as next of kin. This Thomas married Sarah O’Donnell in Glasgow in 1912. They had a number of children at least one of whom ( Annie Cannon Stringer, died young. Thomas died in Glasgow ( 1217 Gallowgate) in 1964 given as age 81, married to Annie O’Donnell. Parents Francis Stringer, Labourer and Annie Cannon. Pretty sure this is the Thomas Stringer born in 1889 in Bawnboy to Francis Stringer and Ann Cannon. This same Francis was previously married to Maria Cannon and was also the father of Francis ( the convict) who was born in 1878 in Bawnboy. So Thomas and Francis were half brothers. Maria died in 1888 in Bawnboy and I can’t find a subsequent marriage to Ann Cannon, but they had a number of children between 1889 and 1895, however only two of these (Kate born 1894 and Thomas 1889 )seem to have survived childhood. Francis died in Bawnboy in 1900 age 75 and Ann Stringer ( age 40) is living at Lahard, Bawnboy in 1901 with Kate and Thomas.
There has also been mention elsewhere of Francis Stringer born Leitrim 1920 who appears in Merchant Seaman records. Possible link to Francis Stephen Stringer born Bawnboy 1920. I have now found some intriguing news reports of a Francis Stringer age 19 in 1939, born Leitrim who was a soldier with the Royal Irish Fusiliers based in Jersey. See attached news snip from the Belfast Newsletter 24 June 1939. Francis (Frank) had soldier number 7043206 and if you check military records on Findmypast there are various records of him ( and accomplice Brady) being prisoners of war.
There has also been some discussion about John Stringer and wife Alice nee Smyth who were married in 1907. He was the son ( born 1879) of Francis Stringer and Mary Carroll. This is not the same Francis as was married to Maria and Ann Cannon ( this one died in 1886 age 75) but the families all
lived in close proximity to one another and were surely related. John and Alice had some children who are recorded in the records that are currently available. Are they also the parents of Kate born 1917, Francis Stephen born 1920 and Patrick Joseph born 1922 at Bawnboy? Alice Stringer died in 1924 age 47 ( death certificate viewable at irishgenealogy.ie). John Stringer died in 1941.
Not sure how all of this hangs together or even if it is relevant but putting it out there in case others can add to it.
Isobel