I am an Australian descendant of Robert Tighe who gave his place of birth as the Parish of Ballysakeery, Mayo, when he enlisted in the army in Dublin in 1821 (28th Gloucestershire Regiment of Foot). His father’s name was Thomas. We believe Robert to have been born in 1798 (possibly second half of the year), and Thomas may have been born in 1771.
Robert served in the Mediterranean during the Peninsula Wars and was married in Corfu in 1825 to Sarah McNamara, the daughter of another Irish soldier stationed in Corfu. His first son was baptised Atkinson Alfred Patrick Tighe in Corfu in 1827. Perhaps Atkinson was a recurrent family name, or the maiden name of a family member? For this reason Robert may be related to John Atkinson Tighe (a brother, perhaps?), born about 1910, who was a doctor in Dublin at Dr Steevens Hospital. John married in 1847 and died in 1861 in Dublin. John also gives his father’s name as Thomas.
Robert settled in New South Wales, Australia, after arriving in Sydney with the army in 1836.
Robert’s history in Australia is very well documented, but his Irish roots are a mystery. I would be very grateful if anyone can provide information on his family roots in Ballysakeery.
lgr2323
Sunday 18th Jan 2015, 01:09AMMessage Board Replies
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I couldn't find a record for Robert but there is 1 for Thomas on www.rootsireland.ie/:
Mayo baptisms for Tighe with father Thomas are: Marianne 1805, John 1807, Francis & Thomas 1810 (both 1 Aug twins?), home address is Rathball parish CROSSMOLINA ....BUT:
Thomas 1811 home address still Rathball but parish BALLYSAKERRY; Atkinson 1814 Ballysakerry
So this looks like the family; just wonder why Robert isn't there and why there are 2 Thomases
Col
ColCaff, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
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Hi Louise
It was a cut and paste rather than a link I'm afraid.
Yes I believe it was common practice to name a subsequent child the same as one which had died.
Mother's name is Matilda for Atkinson but Martha for Marianne, John, Francis, Thomas Thomas
I couldn't find a marriage record for Thomas & Marianne or Martha.
I believe it would have been common for them to go from county to county in those days yes although Kildare to Mayo would have been quite a hike in those days.
Col
ColCaff, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
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Really appreciate your help, thanks Col. It's given me a few more leads to go on
Louise
lgr2323