Thanks to Shaunj - Rootschatter on another page, i think I have found one of my long lost family tree souls!
Michael Kenny, born about 1828, in Tulla Co. Clare Ireland, long military career with 59th Foot regiment. My ancestor - his wife Jane dies in Scotland in 1872, and he is discharged from army in 1873. (Stating that he would go back to Limerick, Ireland where I have failed to find him. And now it appears that he has found his way to Oamaru New Zealand, where his pension was paid in June 1875. So, as usual, I have jumped in - (not a very well organised person) - and may have found a death in 1880 - have sent away to BMD NZ for a printout. Have searched for migration/passenger lists in anc. and FindMyPast - no success as yet. And have also discovered "Papers Past" - what a wealth of NZ info! But also of course it has reminded me of how common the name Michael Kenny was.
Have found one Michael Kenny in the general area of NZ, relevant period, who drowned, another who died as an old single "army pensioner" in 1890 (but wrong regiment).. and another very interesting Michael Kenny who had a wife Isabella and who both appear regularly in the local newspapers for drunken behaviour!!...
Where to go from here? I now have a feeling that the 1880 death printout I have sent for, might not be mine....
I truly appreciate the help Rootschatters have always been (Thanks again Shaunj - truly appreciated).. and I don't want people to be doing my work for me... But being quite inexperienced with NZ records, can anyone give me a bit of direction?
I have always wanted to see NZ - having lived in Australia for more than 50 years (expatriate Scot) - who knows, if I confirm my NZ connection, I might just have a trip over, once all the travel restrictions are lifted! Might be too old to travel, if I wait for UK travel restrictions to be lifted! Thanks for your patience everyone!