I am searching for a line of Blanch. My great great grandmother was Catherine Blanch who married Patrick Lyons. Blanch was not a common name in Ireland, and the family feels Catherine's ancestors were from France.

Family reports that Catherine was from the Ballycastle area of County Mayo. There are 3 Blanch listed in that area on the Griffith's Valuation: Dominick, Michael, and Edward. All 3 are listed as occupiers in County Mayo, Barony Tirawley, Parish Doonfeeny, Townland Ballyknock (for Edward) and Killerduff (for Dominick and Michael).

There is also a Walter and Michl Blanch in the Tithe Applotment books in Killerduff, Doonfeeny, County Mayo between 1834 and 1849.

There were 3 ships that came to Killala Bay, immediately adjacent to this area of Mayo: La Francaise, La Concorde and La Medee. They came in 1798 from France under the direction of General Humbert to defend the Catholics of Ireland. There is a history here that includes a few other Irish names: http://www.lacken.ie/history.htm

We suspect that perhaps a Blanch came from France at this time, staying in Ireland. We have been unable to find any records of the soldiers on board (I suppose it would help if I could read French).

Patrick Lyons emigrated from Ireland to Dunmore, Pennsylvania. It appears that he and his wife did not arrive together, and it is unknown if they married in Ireland or the US. Patrick died in August, 1911 in a mining accident, leaving his wife to take his place in the mines, likely to save their home. He is buried at St. Mary's Church, Dunmore. Awaiting his death certificate to possibly get parent names.

Catherine Blanch likely died between 1930 and 1935. She is on the 1930 census in her Dunmore home, with her son as the head of household.

Any help with the Blanch line of Killerduff/Doonfeeny/Ballycastle area or ship/soldier records for the French ships that pulled into Killala Bay would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Lori Morris