I am trying to trace (if possible) where my 4 x Great Grandfather John HAYES came from in Tipperary. John was a coastguard/HM Customs officer born about 1811 and married Margaret RAFFATY in about 1836. Margaret was from Limerick. They were living in Devon from 1837 until about 1860 when they moved firstly to Hoose (Hoylake) 1861; Parkgate (Cheshire) 1864; Liverpool (as HAYS on census) 1871 then lastly in Birkenhead from about 1881 until his death.
I have quite a bit of information on John except where he (and Margaret) were born and also where they married (Ireland or UK). They had several children 4 boys (one died young) & 4 girls. The three remaining boys stayed in Devon as far as I know, and the girls moved with their parents to Wirral from Devon somewhere between 1854-1861.
I have researched the coastguard list, and although John and the family are on there, there is no indication as to where they originated from in their respective counties. I have been told that it will be like looking for a needle in a haystack but, what the hey, you gotta try somewhere!
Any help would be gratefully received.