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Kilmichael Roots
In 2009 I visited with Father Jerry Cremin of Kilmichael Parish in County Cork. He shared some records he had on my family. Two of my great-great-grandfathers (John Regan and Patrick Foley) left the...
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One of the Foleys: What do you think?
Unidentified from the Foley family collection Several years ago, my mother received a trio of photographs from her cousin Lorna. Lorna knew that two of the photos were her great-grandparents (see...
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Happy Birthday Minnie!
Mary “Minnie” Foley, 1875-76 Minnie was my great-grandmother, and according to my grandma she absolutely hated the nickname “Minnie”. Please forgive me, Great Grandmother, but I think it is a cute...
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This Old Farmhouse
The first time I visited Ireland in 1988, I was struck by the number of derelict farmhouses dotting the countryside. “Why doesn’t someone just tear those old houses down?” I wondered. “That’s what we...
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Happy Birthday Minnie!
Can’t believe an entire year has passed since I posted this in honor of my great-grandmother’s birthday last year. Hope your 2013 is off to a good start — thanks so much for reading. Now, better get...
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Life is a Game of Cards
Agnes, with her younger brother, Frank McMahon , about 1920. This is my favorite photograph of my all-time favorite person – my maternal grandmother, Agnes McMahon Regan. Today is the 100th anniversary...
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Gathering Spotlight
In case you haven’t heard, 2013 is the year of The Gathering in Ireland. Hundreds of reunions, festivals, and celebrations are on the books, and more are planned every day. From time to time, I will...
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DAY 22: Kilmichael
View from Kilmichael Ambush memorial Several of my great-great-grandparents were born in Kilmichael Parish, County Cork. I first visited the area in 2009, and I fell in love with the rugged landscape....
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Day Six of Irish American Favorites: Best Friends
circa 1900 Nellie Regan (left) and Minnie Foley were life-long best friends. They were both born in Fisherville, New Hampshire in the mid-1870s and grew up in Tara Township, Minnesota. Their fathers...
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That’s Pretty Old!
John Regan, circa 1872 October 24th is the 185th anniversary of my great-great-grandfather John Regan’s birth. John Regan was born in the townland of Clashbredane, Kilmichael, County Cork, Ireland on...
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Three Sisters
Margaret, Rose & Agnes McMahon (mid 1930s) ATMR Family Collection When I think of the Irish in America, snapshots like this one come to mind. My grandma Agnes with two of her three older sisters,...
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Meant to Be
John Foley (ATMR Family Collection) John Foley and my grandpa John Regan were good friends. They spent their early childhood together in Clontarf, Minnesota. John Foley moved to Minneapolis with...
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Four Nickels
Thomas Patrick McMahon was born August 30, 1907, in Tara Township, Minnesota. Tom was the third of seven children to parents Thomas and Mary (Foley) McMahon. Tom was one of my grandma’s older brothers....
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