McDonald in Mayo

[Casher]

Hi I have a number of ancestors (from English census's) who were born in Castlebar Mayo. Anyone any idea how I can trace any records other than English Census records?

Many thanks in advance.

The furthest back was Walter born in 1808. His son Joseph 1844.

[Sinann]

an idea of dates would help.
If RC http://registers.nli.ie/

[Sinann]

Welcome to RootsChat, just noticed you are new.
Civil Registration
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/civil-search.jsp

[Owenwee]

As this pre dates the Civil Registration there are only Birth/Baptism Records.

Aglish Parish covers the Castlebar Co Mayo area. There is a record of a Joseph McDonnel  07 March 1839  in Aglish Parish parents Walter McDonnel and Sara MacMahon  the sponsors were Michael Killeen and Bridget MacDonnel.


You must remember that the years of birth shown in Census records are mostly guess espically on the only 2 Irish Census records available, also the surnames are often changed  McDonagh,McDonnell,McDonough  MacDonald all can be changed on emigration.

There are many families in Castlebar in the 1901 census.

[Casher]

Many thanks Owenwee.

I have no birth info for Joseph except from English Census' where he stated 1844. However his parents were Walter and Sarah (formerly McMahon). The surname is changed but The evidence suggests these are the ancestors I am looking for.

Good progress I think, thanks again:-)

[Owenwee]

 2 Possible siblings]

 Edward born 09 Oct 1845  same parents Aglish Parish  sponsors Patrick and Bridget Mcdonnell

 John born 01 Aug 1850   as above sponsors Patrick McDonnell and Margaret Gibbons

 Also showing a birth of Mary Mcdonnell  02 Nov 1847 Aglish Parish Father Walter mother listed as Sarah Mcdonnell  sponsors  Scully and Ann Browne. Sometimes the mother is shown listed with married name rather than maiden.

[Casher]

Thanks again, I have put the details into my tree.

Excuse my ignorance but a sponsors witnesses and who can be sponsors?

I think I have Walters parents names, but not details yet:-)

[Sinann]

Sponsors on a Baptisim ie. Godparents, witnesses to a marriage.
Anyone baptised and confirmed into the faith can be a sponsor, but usually a family member, relation or close friend.
Not sure what the rule was as per witnesses but as per sponsors they were usually family etc.

[Casher]

Thankyou sinnann you are very kind