aghadowey, That is correct, Tho only reason I was able to locate anythign about Johns parents was because his wife mary died,and he remarried after they kept detailed records in Canada. We actually found the reference to Fermanagh because it was listed on Johns brothers death certificate. That is unusual as well,becuase most only list Ireland on the place of birth,but for somereason they listed the county as well.
I have been in contact with Ulster ancestry and they say they might be able tolocate something on Michael and Mary before they left,and it will involve looking throught the tithe records for some hint of a parish and townland,and then looking at all 52 parishes if that doesnt work. They have quoted me 450 canadian dollars,or 220 pounds. Does that sound like a reasonable number? I have no idea,as I have never done this before,and are these companies reliable?