I'm interested in expanding my own line outwards.
The thread is a bit long, and it goes a while back, so I'll explain the connection. Anne Barrett was married to Michael Shevlane (c.1819-1900) of Shragh. Michael Shevlane and Anne Barrett are my ancestors. Richard Barrett appears as a sponsor for one of their children. I'm assuming Richard is a brother of Anne. As to my point about Richard Barrett and Margaret Murphy, of Cross, it is clear that Margaret was the aunt of Bridget Murphy who married John Shevlane - the son of Michael Shevlane and Anne Barrett. Her father is listed as Pat Murphy of Bunnawillin, who was father of Patrick Murphy (1835-1915) and grandfather of Bridget Murphy (1871-1953) = John Shevlane.
While the surname is common, I've now identified only a few Richard Barretts - and they are highlighted in my most recent post. I didn't factor in those matches which lay far outside the area. That is, I'm only concerning myself with: Shragh, Bunnahowen, Bunnawillin, Tallagh, Muingmore, Toorglass, Cross, Geesala. I've also hammered out a rough idea of Barretts in Derrynameel. While it's not impossible earlier generations moved from further out, e.g. Castlebar, my entire family seems to have stayed in this general vicinity.
While I'm at it, I should re-iterate the other Richard:
Richard Barrett (1849-1894) = Anne Murphy (1855-1907)
He came from Muingmore but emigrated to the United States. He was son of Anthony Barrett and Bridget Kelly.
This might seem quite pedantic, but going through all these records has helped a lot. I have found also that Richard (who went to America) had siblings in Muingmore; John, Anthony, Patrick, Bridget. I note that on my other side, an aunt named Margaret Kelly (1874-1905) had children outside of marriage with one John Barrett. She was from Muingmore herself, and it now seems likely that her partner was none other than John Barrett, son of Anthony Barrett and Bridget Kelly. The different families I've been researching are beginning to link up, and collapse into a broader tree, as the detail is clarified.
Should re-iterate also that Michael Shevlane and Anne Barrett were 2nd/3rd cousins or cousins once removed, given the consanguinity mentioned on their marriage (Church register). This could be pushed if we knew Anne's parents and grandparents. I do note that Edward Shevlane - who seems to have been Michael's father - is listed online as being married to Honora Barrett. Perhaps Honora was Anne's great-aunt?
Likewise, if we assume the names are handed down, I'm wondering how the families in the general area I outlined above find a common ancestry? I've just taken Richard because it seemed distinctive, and it appeared on the Shevlane records. For instance, might we speculate that Michael Barrett of Geesala was son of Michael Barrett of Cross (1798-1884)? This would perhaps be a strong possibility, as Michael Barrett in Geesala had a son Richard. While Michael Barrett of Cross also had a son Richard (or grandson - depending on the generations). I'm not too sure about the Richard Barrett in Shragh yet, who was married to Mary (?). I did find a death of Rose Barrett (1820-1900) in Shragh, and she had a son John Barrett.
Sorry if this is too complicated! I'm going down a rabbit hole with this one.
