My father's family on his mother's side came from Castlecomer. Their family name was Ryan. Laurence Ryan and his first wife Margaret Comerford had a child named Judy Ryan and Judy was born and baptised on 16 Aug 1841in Castlecomer. Her baptismal sponsors were Walter Holohan and Eleanor Brennan. I am wondering if there was any connection between the Ryans and Holohan and maybe your family? Do you know if there was a Walter Holohan in your family?
Judy did not live long but her brother James J Ryan born in 1848 in Castlecomer came to NY and then to Philadelphia PA, as did many other Castlecomers. Many Castlecomers came to Schuylkill County Pa (not far from Philadelphia) where they mined coal and often at some point they came to Phila for work. I am not sure what you are looking for regarding the family. I looked in some local papers and found the following articles. In a Sept 19, 1877 in the Clearfield Republican in Clearfield Pa newspaper: "Mr. John Houlihan of this borough left a few days ago for a visit to Ireland, his native country. He will be about several weeks" Also in the same newspaper of Aug 8, 1867 another article: " titled MARRIED" "In the Catholic Church in this place, in August ?, 1867 , by Rev Thomas Tracy, MR. JOHN HOULIHAN to MRS. MARY BOYLE, both of Clearfield Pa"
I have done a fair amount of research on people in Schuylkill County. Let me know what it is you are looking for and I MAY be able to help you. Who knows perhaps there is a connection between my Ryans and the Holohans.
Happy Searching!
Marge Gillis
