Hi John,
Thank you for those last two posts. As regards the Catherine Byrne living in Stradbally, I think if I can get her sons birth certificate I can find out if his father's name was Edward. Not that that is conclusive proof that she is my Catherine but it would give me a starting point.
Thomas is not a family name that I know of. As I know nothing about my grandfather's siblings (if indeed he had any) I cannot be sure. I have a Patrick (my father), his brothers Edward and John. It doesn't give me much to go on I know but I live in hope.
Thank you for your very kind efforts on my behalf. It is much appreciated.
Kindest regards,
Nora