Halpins in Westmeath

[kaligirl]

I found a photo of my grandfather and sent it to Chris Halpin. He put me in contact with my first cousin Debbie Trotter. She was able to track down information and obtain her Irish citizenship.
There's a handwritten Birth and Baptismal Certificate that says Thomas Halpin was born on November 24, 1881 and was baptised in the Church of St. Michael, parish of Castlepollard, on November 25, 1881.
I’m hopeful to get a copy and start the process for my citizenship as well.
Exciting news!

[Feichin]

Hello kaligirl,

That is excellent news. I'm sure the parish will be able to supply you with the copy baptismal certificate if you provide your grandfather's details. Most parishes charge a modest fee and postage for this service however I don't know how the system operates in Castlepollard.

It makes sense that your grandfather's baptism details weren't available, the public records end on 9th January 1881.

I decided to check your grandfather's brother Christopher's baptism record as I had not done so  before, I have used the civil records for people of that era. Christopher's baptism record is there and it has a note added. While difficult to decipher the note is regarding Christopher's second marriage in 1925. One of the witnesses is a Thomas Halpin. I wonder did your grandfather travel back to Ireland for his brother's wedding.

I was wondering something similar in respect of Catherine Halpin. Her sister was also married in 1925 and there was a Kathleen Halpin as a witness at the marriage.

[kaligirl]

Interesting. I will definitely check it out. Thanks again!

[Feichin]

I cannot be certain but I think that this may be what remains of the house that Patrick and Bridget Halpin lived in at the time of the 1901 census.

Due to the pandemic I'm reduced to online research. Hopefully when the restrictions are lifted I'll be able to learn some more.

[kaligirl]

Feichin - so good to hear from you!
I applied for late registration and received the official certificate of my grandfather's birth.
I will be applying for my foreign born citizenship as soon as the consulate opens for registration.
I'm hoping to visit as soon as I get my passport.

I'm not sure what you posted, but look forward to continuing learning more of the family.

[Feichin]

Hello Kaligirl,

I hope that you are well.

Do I understand you correctly, you have registered your grandfather's birth in 1881.

Best of luck with your citizenship application.

Apologies for the delayed post, I had to modify my previous one. I think the house shown in the picture is where your grandfather lived in 1901.

[kaligirl]

Wonderful!

Yes - he's registered Nov 24, 1881.

[Feichin]

I have just seen the record on irishgenealogy.ie. Very well done. Anyone researching in the future will have a far easier time.

[kaligirl]

Thank you.

I'm ready to start investigating the maternal side of my family - Scanlan.
Since most of my DNA shows other areas of Ireland, I'm assuming these counties will be my next focus.