Hello I am hoping someone will read this and recognise the name of my father Herbert Kennedy. He was born in February 1920 and passed away at the age of 38. I was only five at the time and my brother 12. He served in the British Army. I only have one picture of him and he is in his army uniform. I have beautiful but short memories of him as a caring father and a hard worker. He was working for the Council in Haslingden Lancashire when he suffered a heart attack and died.
He married Vera Boardman in September 1945. She was born in Lancashire England and that is where they were married.
They had three children from the marriage, myself Margaret Ann Kennedy (26/02/1953), my sister Sandra (born 1950 died at the age of 9 months) and my brother Patrick Michael Kennedy (08/01/1947).
Unfortunately after my father died my brother and I were sent to Australia as my maternal grandmother was unable to look after us due to illness and my mother had no interest in us.
I have returned to England twice during this time ( I am now 61 years old) and have visited my dad's grave. It was during one of these visits that I managed to get my father's death certificate. This stated that he was born in Castleblaney.
I am coming to visit Ireland in June 2015 and look forward to visiting the place where he was born.
I have very clear memories of my father's funeral where his brothers attended. I do not think I had met them until that time. Their names were Pat and Matt Kennedy and there was also a sister named Florrie.
I would love to hear from anyone that may know of my dad or his family.
Thanks
Margaret
Friday 2nd Jan 2015, 07:56AM
Message Board Replies
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Margaret:
I looked for a civil birth index record for Herbert in the Castleblayney registration district. The only record I could find that was close to 1924 was a record in the first quarter of 1920. Not sure where you found his year of birth but possibly he made himself younger at some point? You can get a copy of this record from the General Register Office for around 4 euros. The record would show the names of his parents and where they were living at the the time of birth. Go to this link https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Apply-for-Certificates.aspx
print out the birth form, fill it out to the best of your ability and include the the quarter/year of birth, registration district and the volume and page number. You have to mail the request to the address provided but you can ask the GRO to e-mail the copy back. Make sure you only ask for a copy of the record.
Roger McDonnell
First name(s) Herbert Last name Kennedy Registration year 1920 Registered quarter/year Jan - Mar 1920 Registration district Castleblayney Volume 1 Page 528 Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
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Hi Roger
Thank you so much for your reply. The year of birth was actually 1920 so it seems we are on the right track. I will follow your advice and apply for the certificate and take it from there.
Again many thanks and all the best for the New Year
Margaret