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
Author: Shaking The Branches
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
It’s In My DNA 🧬
I probably don’t use DNA as much as I should in my family history research. I’m no scientist and it’s a pretty complex process. In saying that, DNA has helped on occasion to prove a theory. I also enjoy checking out new matches from time to time. I currently have 1412 matches with 636 being … Continue reading It’s In My DNA 🧬
Sarah McLaughlin 1839-1916
This lady is my great, great grandmother Sarah McLaughlin. She’s the only great great grandparent of whom I have a photo. I actually have two! Sarah was born in County Mayo, Ireland the parish of Oughaval. I don’t have a record of her birth but I know that it was around 1839. Her parents were … Continue reading Sarah McLaughlin 1839-1916
Shaking The Branches 