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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: marg06 on Saturday 18 April 20 05:22 BST (UK)
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I am seeking information on Costello siblings, living in Rathbane, Limerick c1830-33. Kate Costello gave State Evidence in the murder trial of Holycross in 1829. She and her two sister, Judith and Mary Costello, subsequently received an allowance from the government, in recognition of this evidence and towards their protection. Their brother, Edward Costello jnr of William St Limerick, also made a claim for protection. Kate was apparently married but spouse unknown to me.
I have found some references in the National Archives of Ireland (eg Copy of letter from the [Under Secretary], Dublin Castle, concerning the memorial of Catherine Costello, a crown witness in the Mara murder case.) which are helpful.
However, I would appreciate any help in researching these Costello siblings.
With thank
Margaret
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so do we take it they were born 1800-1810?
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So far I have found no reference of ages of these siblings. A NAI documents includes "Also, letters from [Thomas Philips] Vokes, chief magistrate, Limerick, [County Limerick], stating that the full sum of Stg£ 200 should not be paid to Catherine Costello because 'the young man to whom this aged woman is married would spend it in a week' (31 Aug 1832)." Unsure what "aged" signified in 1832.
There are quite a few Costellos in Limerick at that time, including an Edward Costello who lived in Bank Place and who was Deputy Clerk of The Crown and Peace for Limerick City, Clerk to the Magistrates at City and County Petty Sessions, Town Councillor for Thomondgate Ward. He died in January 1850 at Rathmines Dublin and his spouse Mary apparently died in April 1854. I have found no evidence thus far of his age nor whether he was the brother of the sisters.
thanking you
Margaret
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An Edmond Costello is also seeking assistance in 1828 since his daughter Catherine gave evidence.
https://csorp.nationalarchives.ie/search/index.php?simpleSearchSbm=true&category=27&searchDescTxt=Catherine+Costello&simpleSearchSbm=Search#searchfocus
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Had a looks in the newspapers,
Kate Costello was in a place called the Grove (see below), on the Monday and Thursday night before the killing she gave food to the accused men.
Kate Costello deposed to the going into the Grove seeing the prisoners armed- identified them and stated that on that occasion they declared to her, "that their lives were in her hands." She was Keogh's maid. The unfortunate woman was in a state of fright and terror, while she sat on the table, and had to be removed. Her testimony sealed the doom of the prisoners.
Kate Costello (servant to the Keogh's) detailed the visits of the gang to the house of her master, and to her having brought them on various occasions, when concealed in the grove, bread, whiskey etc
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathcannon
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much more here
https://www.hiddentipperary.com/villages-of-tipperary/holycross-village/murder-in-the-parish-of-holycross-tipperary/
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Thank you all for your information. I am obviously still learning how to use the National Archives IRE as I had missed the two papers - relating to Edmund Costello the father and the apparent married names of the sisters. Such gold for me to continue the search.
I have read a number of sources on the Holycross murder, including that from Hidden Tipperary. They raise another query for me re the father of the Keogh boys involved. Some references give his name as Tom and others Jack. I would have thought Jack = John, as not sure what the correct name is. My ancestor was Mary Keogh, born c 1810 (married Laurence Cummins) in Tipperary and her parents were Thomas Keogh, in the Holycross area, and Catherine Costello, who some think was Kate Costello's aunt.
Such a fascinating detective hunt and I really appreciate your work.
Regards, and stay safe
Margaret