thanks again everyone - i appreciate its not much to start with.
my gr. grandfather was Pat Furlong and his wife Ellen Breen. These were born in 1839 and 1845 respectively, in Ireland.
gr.grandfathers brother Richard, b. 1838 in Ireland - nothing more on him. Don't know if he emigrated. Nothing on FamilySearch.
gr. grandfathers sister Johanna b. 1844, Wexford, Ireland - nothing more on her. Don't know if she emigrated. Nothing on FamilySearch.