I have written about my great uncle James Brawley before in a short post but I discovered a newspaper article about him that’s really interesting so I thought it worth updating. My maternal grandfather Hugh was one of 12 children born to Daniel Brawley and Ellen Keenan between 1887 and 1908. He was actually child … Continue reading My Great Uncle James Brawley 1891-1956
Author: Shaking The Branches
Hugh and Daniel Brawley
Today is the 4th of May. 102 years since my uncle Dan was born and 57 years since my grandfather Hugh died. I never got to meet my grandfather as he died before I was born and while I didn’t see a lot of my uncle Dan, as he lived in England and we were … Continue reading Hugh and Daniel Brawley
My Time In Westport
In late March I visited County Mayo to visit the home town of my great great grandmother, Sarah McLoughlin. She was the paternal grandmother of my maternal grandfather Hugh Brawley. Spending time in Ireland really this time really made me feel closer to my ancestors. I am not sure why. Perhaps it is because the … Continue reading My Time In Westport
In Search Of Sarah
A friend of mine was telling me about her recent weekend in Ireland. She got a cheap flight from Edinburgh to Knock, County Mayo with Ryanair and stayed in the town of Westport. Now, Mayo is on my list of counties to visit to trace my Irish roots and I hadn't even realised that there … Continue reading In Search Of Sarah
What’s Happening Here?
I've discovered this old photograph and I would love to know the story behind it. The picture is slightly damaged and there are no names or dates on the back. I believe the man on the left is my grandfather Hugh Brawley who was born in 1899. I see a bit of a family resemblance … Continue reading What’s Happening Here?
Starting Again
A wee while ago I watched an episode of the TV series "DNA Journeys" featuring the actor John Simm. He, along with friend and fellow actor Philip Glenister, took part in the show hoping to explore their family history using their DNA. It's a fun light-hearted programme which looks for ancestors with interesting or entertaining … Continue reading Starting Again
Shaking The Branches 