RootsChat.Com

My name is Flan Barnwell & I was born in Cree in Birr in 1949. I met Major John Barnwell in the late '70's when he visited Birr. My Grandfather was also John Barnwell & he died in 1947. My father was Tom Barnwell & he died in 1949 aged 42. I was born twelve days after my father died. My late Mother was left with six young children and she had to sell the farm in 1955 and we moved into Birr town.
I understand the name Gowery was a nickname as a result of him having a goatee beard. The Irish (Gaelic) for a goat is Gabhair and is pronounced Gower, hence Gowery. I got this information from Michael Loughnane in Whiteford (near Crinkle) at the funeral of May Quegan about two or three years ago. My Grandfather married Theresa Quegan. There is a large contingent of Quegans in Australia, although they spell the name Quigan. I have tried to find the Barnwell graves in Seir Kieran's but so far to no avail