Interesting points between the above marriages, (although around 15 years apart) are they are both held at St Anns RC Church at Junction Street, Ancoats.
https://www.manchesterhistory.net/manchester/churches/stannesancoats.htmlBoth marriages were registrar attended. I suspect the marriage in 1879 between Mary Smith & James Burns was also held at St Ann's RC, going by the info from the other couple (Patrick & Mary) on registration page, as they also married there.
The witness for James and Honora at marriage are likely the same as godparents for James Burns b 1886, youngest son of Mary & James Burns, info on bapt on previous thread.
The first witness is likely the son of James McAndry/McAndrew...see 1861 census in previous thread.
1881 census James & Honora/Ann are at the same address he gives at marriage with Mary Jane as niece.
Age 38 for Honora/Ann match roughly census age, so birth around c1841. Only age at death gives her born circa 1838.
Marriage address for Honora/Ann is the same street address that Mary & James Burns gave when firstborn Joanna/Anne was baptised in 1880, although 2 doors apart... bapt info in previous thread. (The Burns family are not at same address in 1881 census)
Also a possibility that the Welsh connection is through mothers Jane remarriage, which would be after c1843. Quite possible 2nd husband James Welsh, was married previously, and children of both became step siblings, maybe.
It looks likely all this took place in Ireland, as the first link to Mary Burns in England, is the 1864 marriage to John Smith.
Would look to see who was at the address Mary gave at marriage in 1861/1871 to see if any possible leads or connection possibly.
Just a few thoughts....
