Dear Editor,

I am descended from Charles McCarthy and Mary Martin of Ballygiblin (Griffith Valuation 1848) who farmed land next to William and Margaret Casey (nee Sheehy). Charles and Mary had the following children: Owen born 1818, Johanna 1818 (twins?), Julia 1819, Jonny 1821, John 1823, Thomas 1825, Mary 1828, Patrick 1832, Jane 1834 and William 1838.

I am descended from John McCarthy who married the girl next door Catherine Casey after they both arrived in Australia. William and Margaret Casey had the following children: Patrick 1828, Catherine 1829, Elizabeth 1832, Michael 1835, Mary 1838 and William 1841. The Griffith Valuation 1848 has Denis and Charles McCarthy farming plots next to each other in Ballygiblin.
 
I visited Mitchelstown in 1984 and interviewed John Moher and spoke with various other people including the Casey sisters, to whom he introduced me. I visited the townland and had lunch with a lovely family who fed me without knowing me from Adam. I searched the parish birth register to which I was given access by the curate at the time and had an enjoyable week staying in the hotel overlooking the square.
 
I would be grateful for any information about the son Patrick McCarthy, who we believe stayed behind when the siblings emigrated over about 15-20 years. Mary (nee Martin) died in Australia but we have no record of her husband Charles’ death.
 
If anyone knows of descendents of Patrick or other McCarthys from Ballygiblin who may be connected to the Ballygiblin McCarthys, I would be grateful.
 
Many thanks for the opportunity.

Bernard (Bernie) McCarthy,

Australia

Bernie@mccarthypsychology.com.au