Hi Paula
My GGGrandfather Edmund Rowan was born in Loughrea about 1821 he was the son of John Rowan [Catholic Labourer] and Bridget Broderick.
I haven't found a baptism for him.
I read Loughrea was a postal town back then. I have noticed many addresses today, in townlands surrounding Loughrea, have Loughrea add on to
the end of the address. How far away from the township of Loughrea would be still considered, being born in Loughrea in 1821 please? What % of Catholics
baptised their children then and were they still restricted by law from practising their faith .
Karen
Australia
Hi Karen
Many thanks for your email. I will try and source some information for you and get back to you shortly.
Regards
Paula
Tuesday 18th Oct 2011, 01:30PM
Message Board Replies
-
Hi,
Strictly speaking, Loughrea would refer to the townlands: Ballybroder, Ballygasty, Baunoge, Caherlavine, Cahernagormuck, Caheronaun, Caherwalter, Carn, Cosmona, Curraghs, Cuscarrick, Earlspark, Fairfield, Farranalynch, Gorteenapheebera, Gorteennabohogy, Graigue, Greeneenagh, Kincullia, Knockadikeen, Knockanima, Knockshangarry, Lisduff, Loughrea, Loughrea town, Moanmore East, Moanmore West, Monearmore, Mountpleasant, Moyleen, Pollroebuck, St. Laurencesfields, Tonaroasty, Tullagh Lower, Tullagh Upper.
However, the truth is that Emigrants used local towns as a catch-all so 'Loughrea' could quite easily refer to a neighbouring parish.
In 1821, it is understood that 100% of Catholics baptised their children.... the real question is whether the church in which your Ancestor was christened in had begun to record baptisms (some began c. 1800, some 1840 etc). Loughrea church records for births (1810-1900) and marriages (1786-1900) should be worth checking as a start.....
Good luck.