PURCELL FAMILY in IRELAND

My Purcell was Joanna, the wife of Michael Collins & mother of John, b. abt. 1919-20   He migrated to St. Louis, MO, USA  His parents would have been gone before the Margaret Purcell you seek.  But, perhaps knowing that my kins family lived in & around Kilkee & Kilrush prob in the Loophead area-poss Donoughboy or Ballyonan, might give you an area to search..   I find the name Purtill/Purtill there as well  Poss. a derivative.   You didn't mention where in Co. Clare your ancestors lived.   Jo

Hello Jo,

My ancesters lived in Binvoran, County Clare and I note that Donoughboy is not all that far away.  Certainly it is within an acceptable distance one would be able travel to by horse and dray to make an overnight visit with a relative in those days.

I have long suspected that Margaret Purcell may have been an in-law to the Fergusons of Binvoran.  Certainly I believe she would have been a relative rather than a casual friend as the cottage is quite small (still exists today) and there were a few other adults and a couple of children in the house on the night of the Census......... surely a bit too "cosy" unless they were all related.  Interestingly enough, the wife/mother in the family had the maiden name of Shannon and I have been getting a few clues that she perhaps had come from Donoughboy. If that's the case it seems that it is possible that Catherine Shannon may have even been a sister of Margaret Purcell (or sister-in-law).  If you look at your tree and find any Shannons (or Fergusons) we may be able to track down this lady as she may be a relative of yours and mine.

Hi again,

I have nothing further on my Joanna PURCELL other than her being the wife of Michael COLLINS & having their son, John COLLINS, my Gr-Grandfather, in 1820.  Your Margaret, b. 1830 could have been my John's maternal cousin.   Through the Freeholders, Tithe and Griffiths lists given at the Clare library site- I have found the following Purcell/Purtills:

Donoughboy: (Denis Purtell, Freeholder 10 Apr 1875- associated with Michael, Anthony, Thomas & Connor COLLINS

Ballyonan: Thomas & Mich'l   

Kilrush: Cemetery listings:  Tom b 1790, d. 3/11/1850;  Mary b 1830, d 5/4/1850;  Michael b 1841, d 7/19/1850,  Michael b 1838 d 9 28/1850  John b 1841 d1/14/1851;  Peter, b 1839  d 11/13/1850

(1849 Evictions Kilrush) Sinon & John Purcell & Thomas Purtil

Moveen E.: Stephen & Michael     Dough: John       Lissen Furruir & Dunaha W.:  Patrick

Jo