Orphanages in Ireland - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Orphanage Banada Abbey, Ballymote, Sligo County, Ireland

supermanjewles — 3 Aug 2004 7:38:46 GMT

Hello everyone! I've read your messages and would like to add to them. My mother was born in Ireland in 1935. She told us her mom died during chidlbirth so I assume she went directly to Banada Abbey as an infant. Her name was Mary Clare Keating. She emigrated to New York in 1950. She never talked about her childhood and didn't allow us to talk to her about it. She got angry with us if we pressed the issue. She passed away in February and, until now, we didn't know about Banada Abbey. We requested her naturalization records and that's how we found out about Banada Abbey. I can find no history on this place. I can only assume our mom's time there wasn't pleasant since she would never talk about it. I would appreciate any information any of you may have on this place or if anyone may have known our mom. Thank you. Kathleen

Sister's of Charity Orphanage in Ireland

Celine C. de Ruffieu — 17 Aug 2003 1:29:41 GMT

Hello:

Years ago on a television program I saw a very large building in Ireland from the above Sisters.

I would like to know what became of the girls (women now), that were suing the Catholic Church.

The reason was that the Sisters did not call the girls by their names but by numbers. This was a practice of Hitler's time.

Can you direct me as how to obtain the information.

thanks,

Celine

Help looking for information on parents

KathleenBarthelemy — 16 Nov 2008 9:56:27 GMT

I was an orphan in Dublin in the 50s. Looking for information about parents. I was in the St Patrick's Children Home. Sister Monica was running the home at the time. I was adopted away to USA. Want to find my roots and also find any siblings I may have. My mother's name was Elizabeth Meade, I think my father was John Meares. Not sure about that. If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. Looking for some help please. Thank you

Our Lady of Mercy Industrial School for Girls Kinsale

smith — 8 Sep 2005 2:24:34 GMT

Does anyone remember my mother Grace Batchelor who was at this school 1927/33, and can tell me how she was treated.

orphanage sligo

matthew — 11 Dec 2004 12:26:48 GMT

my grand mother grew up in that catholic covenant at banada and believe her mothers name was ellen kilcullen put her in there when she was very young for unknown reasons any how my grand mother had a brother who was very young aswell dropped off there my grandmother was never adopted because she suffered from scarlet fever and was very sick as a youth her brother was adopted at a young age and never to see him again my grandmother told me her grandparents names was walsh, if anyone has a remote clue as to who my relatives are or maybe the where abouts of my grandmothers brother please contact me my grandmother martina spoke of the nuns and the orphanage as a unplesent place. we now live in chicago.

Adoption from Ireland to USA

Eileen Casey — 6 Oct 2006 8:18:38 GMT

My husband and I can not have any more children and would love to have a daughter. Both our families are from Ireland and we would love to a child from there. If any one could help us out with information regarding this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Convent Orphanages

lindseyg_1 — 25 Sep 2007 9:04:03 GMT

My friend's grandmother Mona Margaret Baron was born in a convent orphanage in about 1890ish but we don't know which one. She would never talk about her time there as it was so bad. Can someone advise me where I can start to look.

Many thanks
Lindsey

GIRLS ORPHANAGES IN CORK

catherinesullivan95 — 1 Nov 2006 7:11:26 GMT

Please find below a list of Orphanages or industrial Schools in the area of Cork.

St Colemans Industrial School for Girls, Cobh, Sisters of Mercy, Certified for 46 Children,Closed 1960.

Our Lady of Mercy Industrial for Girls, Kinsale, Sisters of Mercy, Certified for 120 Children, Closed 1963.

Mallow Industrial School for Girls, Sisters of Mercy, Certified for 60 Children, Remained open after 1970.

St Finbarrs Industrial School for Giels, Sundays Wells, Cork City,Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Certified 172 Children, Remained open after 1970.

St Aloysuis Industrial School for Girls, Clonakilty, Sisters of Mercy, Certified 130 Children, Closed in 1965.

Freedom of Information

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1997, you can apply to the State for access to records held on you personally.

Contact

Freedom of Information Section
Department of Education,
Marlborough Street
Dublin 1
Ireland

Tel - 018734700

good luck Catherine.

Grace Batchelor

Patricia Smith — 8 Sep 2005 2:14:20 GMT

Does anyone remember my mother Grace Batchelor who was at Our Lady of Mercy Industrial School for Girls Kinsale 1927/31, and can tell me how she was treated.

ST. GREGORIES ORPHANAGE, GOREY, WEXFORD

hazelmsmifff — 6 Jun 2007 11:28:11 GMT

Looking for any information about this orphanage.
Family link with it from early 1900's to about 1917.
Thank you.

Drumgould Orphanage and Cunningham family

Teresa Cunningham Biggs — 14 Feb 2003 2:53:52 GMT

Looking for anyone who knows of the Drumgould Orphanage. We have thought it was in NYC, but now think it may have been in Ireland. Grandfather James Patrick Cunningham, and brother Joseph may have been there. Dates unkonwn, but in early 1900's. Great Grandparents, Patrick Cunningham and Elizabeth Moore Cunningham came to NYC, and it is assumed all children came with them, but perhaps not. Any help will be appreciated.

Adopted -Ireland to USA 1961

hpulte — 12 Jan 2007 12:16:08 GMT

I came across the website while looking up some information on Ireland for a class web design project. I was born Oct 10 1960 at St. Patrick's Orphanage in Dublin and was adopted by a loving couple in the USA in Texas in October of 1961. I have always known that I was adopted so it was no big deal. They made me feel very special because they chose me. Over the years I have wondered about my birth mother and family but was not sure if I wanted to open that pandora's box. I did visit the orphanage in 1983 for a couple of hours when I was on a European vacation. My birth name was Helena Mary Smith. The adoption was processed thru the American Catholic Charities organization.
I am not sure what I am expecting. This will be a new adventure. Hope to hear from anyone.

James Feeney deceased

Margaret Feeney — 16 Aug 2006 9:29:29 GMT

My grandfather James Feeney was born in 1900 and died in 1996. We don't know anything about our family tree. He was an orphan and never spoke about his past. Can anyone help me find out about him. He lived in Prumplestown, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

orphanages

nikki — 25 May 2006 9:20:50 GMT

hi there i live in brisbane australia,and i would like to lighten up any children by sending over aussie gifts ....if interested get in touch via email..

Mary O'Boyle

jfbryant184 — 18 May 2006 7:11:30 GMT

Trying to contact ancestors of Mary O'Boyle Left Newry Anterim in 1844 at 10 years of age. Orphan travelled to Australia with her aunt. Married Thomas Matthews in Melbourne 10th July 1852 witness Jane Payne

Mary O'Boyle

jfbryant184 — 18 May 2006 7:11:30 GMT

Margaret Vaughan

diane_monks — 23 Jan 2006 1:19:12 GMT

Looking for Margaret Vaughan,dob 1940
Monalahy,Blarney,Cork.
Margaret may have been adopted at birth or placed in an orphanage,her family is looking for her.

St Aloysius Industrial School Clonakilty

diane_monks — 15 Dec 2005 3:30:02 GMT

tuam orrphanage

ellie hinsley — 22 Oct 2005 9:51:50 GMT

margaret connell who was in tuam from 1941 to 1946 has asked me if i could trace winnie owens or paddy duffy who she remembers was there at that time .now living in liverpool and would like to know if they are well.

Orphanage/Convent in Londonderry?

LindaGreen822 — 30 May 2005 3:32:09 GMT

My great grandmother was born in Londonderry in 1891. Her father was a sailor (ships steward) & I recently found out he drowned at sea when she was a little girl. Her mother took the three children to a convent & left them there never to be seen again. It was apparently a terrible childhood from that point on. My great grandmothers younger brother died at the convent & I have some information that her sister married. My great gran ran away from the convent when she was about 12. I would really like to find out more about this convent, but don't know where to start. I'm assuming it would have been an orphanage as well & I have been told it closed down.

Thanks
Linda
Australia

fairyhill rathgar or ternure

ANNA MARIE JOYCE — 29 Jul 2005 3:53:10 GMT

Hope someone can help me in my quest for information on a childrens home in either Rathgar or Ternure called Fairyhill.
My husband was put into this home at the age of approx 2 and we are looking for information about it. He was adopted fromther some months/year later.

ireland adoption

Jennc1998 — 10 Jan 2006 2:59:32 GMT

looking toward adoption in ireland-anyone who can advise as to the names of any orphanages/organizations? I would appreciate it

thank you

limerick orphanages

siobhan — 25 Mar 2005 9:37:59 GMT

My mother was born in Cappamore co limerick mother Elizabeth Ryan father unknown, my mother was also named Elizabeth Ryan (Holloran), was in an orphanage for a time before her grandparents took her in and she lived with them in Knocknacorriga Cappamore Co Limerick. Any info greatley recieved

birth mother from a boy adopted from St. Patricks Guild, born in May 1950

meghan — 22 Mar 2005 1:05:34 GMT

I am looking for my father's birth mother. I know a few pieces of information I believe he was adopted from St. Patricks Guild in1952 where he came to Chicago. He was born
May 14, 1950 as Martin Campbell. His mothers name was Bridgette. I am not postive on the spellings of the names. if you have any information to help my search please e mail me at Meggsd15@hotmail.com

looking for

@@carmel@ct.stormnet.co.za — 26 Mar 2003 1:22:38 GMT

Im looking for a place in milltown in dublin run by the irish sisters of charity I was put in there when I was three and fostered out when i was seven if i can find out the name and address of the place mayby i will be able to trace my family

my grandmother annie butler

fwalker — 13 Nov 2000 3:29:46 GMT

has anyone come across an annie butler -born ireland 1882-1883--mother isabella butler
would love some help on this one-have been searching for 20 years

Orphanage in Banada, Co Sligo, Ireland

Mary — 2 Feb 2004 3:43:23 GMT

My Mother was raised by the Sisters of Charity in an orphanage in Banada Co. Sligo Ireland, in the 1930's. I can't find any information on the subject. Does anyone have any info? Much appreciated!! Thanks,
Mary

Matthew Downey & Margaret Hosey/Waters

Marie O'Neill Kravette — 17 Jan 2005 2:40:07 GMT

Seeking information on gr. gr. grandfather Matthew Downey b. abt. 1835 Ireland, went to Canada, married Margaret Hosey or Waters, went to US 1863, children: Richard, John, Mary Jane, Elizabeth and Matthew Jr. Downey.

Need any info
Thank You
Marie O'Neill

Clothier family - Cork City Convent Ophanage(s) 1882-1895

Matthew_Falvey — 14 Jan 2005 7:17:25 GMT

Hi I am trying to trace the name's of the Cork City Orphanage(s), and any records that may exist of my ancestors the Clothier family who were Orphanage incumbents from 1882 to about 1895. The name is very rare in Cork and this family are the only Clothiers in Cork birth vital records from 1864 'till 1905.

What I have is that the family returned to Cork City Ireland from England, just after the death (9 Apr 1882 age 37) of their Father Henry Clothier. I have his son William Clothier's 1 May 1882 baptism record from the North Cathedral Cork City, about three weeks later.

Henry's widow Honorah (Horrigan) at this stage had, I believe, 6 children (John b 1870, Mary b 1872, Honora b 1874, Elizabeth b 1876, Julia b 1878 and William b 1880) and no income.

She then had to put all of the children, except Nora who was refused because of a pearl eye, (Some one hit her with a stone in the eye), into a Convent Orphanage. They all had to stay there until they were old enough to leave for work. I am not sure when William went in as at the time of his Cork baptism he was 1 year and 165 days old, very young to go into an orphanage, but I have been informed that they took them that young too.

I have been told that William, the youngest, at the age of 13-15 ran away from the orphanage and went and joined the British army. He managed to fool them into thinking he was old enough as he was over six feet tall and well built.

So that would have various members of the Clothier family in care from 1882-1895.

If anyone has any ideas of the Orphanages that would have been in operation at the time and ideas or leads as to availablity of any records and how I might gain access to those records I would be very happy to hear from you.

Thanks very much

Matt Falvey
Perth W Australia

birth mother

Vicki Holland — 6 Jul 2003 5:51:22 GMT

I am looking for my birth mother Imelda O'reilly. She may be living in England now. The last address I have for her is 19 Ventry Rd. Dublin, Ireland.

Orphanges in Ireland

LOwens6484 — 13 Sep 2003 11:01:49 GMT

Does anyone know where I can obtain a list of Orphanges in Ireland ,the era 1870-1885?

Ethel McConnell

Nancy L.Sparks — 26 Mar 2003 6:01:19 GMT

My grandmother was born May 15,1901. She told me her mother(no name) had brought her and her crippled brother to the USA from Ireland I assume around 1908 or 1909 which later the two of them ended up in an Orphanage in Shaker Heights,Ohio She was adopted and her name was changed by Jerry & Mary Viskochil in 1911. Silly me I never even asked her what her brother's name was and now she is gone.
If anyone can help us locate my gramma's roots We'd be very grateful to you.Thank you and God Bless..Nancy

Banada Abbey, Ballymote, Sligo County, Ireland

supermanjewles — 3 Aug 2004 7:31:09 GMT

grandparents

Jacinta McGuinness — 11 Jun 2004 11:57:59 GMT

I am looking for any information on my mother,her name was Philomena kelly, born 19/07/22 in Dublin. Her mother was kathleen O'Connell and her father was Bernard kelly, address at the time was 5 Fairview. My mother went to either a boarding school or orphange run by nuns in Cahir, Co. Tipperary from a fairly young age. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Sisters of Charity orphanage Sligo

mscarle — 2 Mar 2003 5:56:24 GMT

I'm trying to gather basic information on Sisters of Charity orphanages in Sligo and Dublin, Ireland. I would like to trace my mothers parentage. Her name is Josephine Ryan and she was resident in the orphanages during the 1930's and 1940's. Any information, no matter how small, will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Mary

James Clarke & Isabelle Scollan Families

virginiaCmach — 11 Sep 2003 8:16:11 GMT

I too have a great-grandfather that was placed in an Irish orphanage and this has momentarily block my searches. James was born about 1866, married Isabelle about 1890 and immegrated to the USA February 1892. Isabelle's family (mother - Margaret Beatty, brothers - Thomas & John, and sisters - Elizabeth, Margaret, and one more) move to US before 1900. I would love to hear from relatives or anyone researching these roots.

Sisters of Charity Orphananage in Ireland

Celine — 17 Aug 2003 1:05:46 GMT

Hello: Can someone tell me how to find the Orphanage in Ireland that was in the United States Television and stated that the grown up women of the orphanage was suing the Catholic Church and the reason for that was that they did not have names...they were given numbers as names.

It was a very large and beautiful building (so it seemsed from an aerial view).

How do I look up that information.

Many thanks,

Celine

My Grandmother and her brother

annberry1 — 22 Dec 2005 10:25:17 GMT

Can anyone help me trace my Grandmother she was born in
Ballhooley Cork about1880 for whatever reason she & her brother were put in a Catholic Orphanage, and was taken in
by a family called Cotter.Any information would be gratefully
received,as we no nothing about my grandmothers past.
Their names are Mary & Thomas Hayes.

Hoping someone can oblige

a hopefull grandaughter. Ann

Mothers lost brothers

anne thompson — 23 Dec 2003 10:21:29 GMT

I am looking to find any information on my mothers two elder brothers. They christian names are unknown to us but their surname at birth was AHERN.

until 1925/6, they lived in or around Charleville or Newtown Shandrum in Co Cork with their parents Patrick and Frances Ahern (nee Barry).

Frances died in 1925, and the two boys were placed in an orphanage by their father, but they went to school in Charleville.

Am looking for names of orphanages in the area.

It is known that the childen had living relatives in Charleville
Uncles jack Ahern and Paddy Barry.

Edwin Arthut Egerton Bryant

MBBryants — 10 May 2004 2:17:32 GMT

My father in law, Edwin Arthur Egerton Bryant, was born in 1908 in Bristol, England. The story goes that he was raised in an orphanage in Ireland. We do not know what happened to his mother, Amy Francis Bryant. Edwin enlisted in the army, probably around 1924 when he would have been about 16. If anyone has any information, please share ! My email address is mbbryants@aol.com. Thanks in advance.

my grandmothers family

Theresa Knight — 18 Oct 2002 5:18:29 GMT

My grandmother was raised in an orphanage in Cork around 1920-1930's. She moved to England when she was 18 to work on airplanes. She met and married my grandfather, Bud Martin, had a son, and moved to the U.S. Her maiden name was Maura Tressa Creigh. Any information would be helpful.

William Hall b1826

Jane Hall — 22 Jun 2002 12:00:23 GMT

William Hall born 1826 Templepatrick Ireland. I cannot fond any information about his parents,possibly orphan, no parents named on his marriage cert. He enlisted in army 1850's. Any information please

Looking for ggrandparents

tammie — 26 Jan 2002 3:17:56 GMT

As the story goes in my family my ggrandparents (GEORGE VICTOR LIGHTBODY) & (LILLIAN WHITE) were living in the same orphanage in Ireland, met, married and moved to the US. I know they were in Flint, Michigan by September 1910 as that is when my grandfather was born. Anyone know anymore of this family? Thanks.

Mary Slattery

sharinlpn1 — 24 Jun 2001 9:10:38 GMT

Looking for family of my ggrandmother born in Ireland raised in an orphanage there and married William Byron and moved to USA Pennsylvania Thanks, Sharon Gallagher Shaffer

Orphanage for Sweeney brothers

J. Johnston — 31 Jan 2001 11:09:41 GMT

I am looking for an orphanage in Ireland. Do not know where in Ireland. My ggrandfather, James Agustus Sweeney (b.1851,d.1935) and his 2 brothers ran away from and orphanage somewhere in Irland and stowed away on a cattle boat bound for Rhode Island. Any info will be greatly appreciated. J. Johnston

O'Connor

Tracy Taylor — 24 May 2000 6:00:17 GMT

I am searching for info about my great grandfather, John O'Connor, who was born @ 1955 in Ireland. He was raised in an orphanage in Ireland. Later, he moved to Barnsley, England, married Polly Pickering, and they came to the U.S. in 1906. Does anyone know of any sites with records from old orphanages in Ireland? Thanks.

Irish Orphanages

Tracy Taylor — 22 May 2000 6:02:54 GMT

Does anyone know of a site that has links to orphanages in Ireland? I am searching for info regarding my great grandfather, John O'Connor, born @ 1855, who was raised in an orphanage in Ireland. He and his wife, Polly Pickering O'Connor came to the United States in 1906. You can reply to me here or by email @ tatraa@aol.com. Thanks!