Rights of Roman Catholics before emancipation.

Hi Rochelle,
Thank you so much for your support and to others who have replied. Indeed I do have a passion for history! And it is the best way to understand your ancestors.
Thank you for the suggestion re the Family History Centre. I shall add it to my list. How does the Marsh’s library differ from the National library?
FitzGerald certainly intrigues me. And I have another small question. He has Gentleman written as his occupation on his marriage certificate. What does this mean? And later Esq is always written after his name. The latter I think applies to him being in goverment employ. Is that correct?
Regards
Noella

Hi Noella,

We are like you in that as one question is answered, more questions arise!

Both libraries have a wide selection of old books that may be of interest and the librarians may also be able to answer your questions better than us.

The terms Gentleman and Esq usually relate to someone who has "means" other than working to support themselves. Many different reasons from inheritance to investments. A historian with more in-depth knowledge will be able to clear that up I'm sure.

Both the National Library and the Royal Irish Academy would be the next best place to continue your information gathering as they have more expertise at their disposal.

Please let us know how you get on with your continued search, September is not too far away now!

Martin

Thank you to all of the above people who have helped me on my ‘journey of discovery’ so far.
Today is our second last day of our trip to Ireland and despite being ( for an Australian anyhow) a wet, cold and windy one it has also been a very memorable one. I know, this is Ireland. You just have to take it as you find it!
My research in Dublin has been a bit disappointing but not entirely unproductive. I started with a visit to the National library but though the people I spoke to were really lovely both told me I was very lucky to be able to get my family back to 1800 and really there was nothing left to do. Almost gave up. BUT fortunately I booked a one on one consultation with a genealogist associated with Epic (by the way the absolute best tourist attraction I have visited) and was not disappointed even though the outcome was pretty much the same. His interest in my family story was genuine telling me that a man who was a RC who married a woman from COI was definitely ‘in love’ and this was further verified by the fact that he allowed all of his daughters to be brought up in their mother’s church. A love match, he kept repeating.
Ahhh he had my attention from the beginning. He explained that though not uncommon such marriages often ended up in family ostracism! Definitely a love match!!
He suggested a search in the Registry Deeds and perhaps more research on his wife’s family as Dunoyer/ DuNoyer is an uncommon name. Loved the Registry of Deeds. Staff here were very helpful. Some references to Dunoyer and one to PH FitzGerald and bequeathing a marriage portion to his eldest daughter. This really is a fascinating place and had I more time I would have spent more time there. I have loved walking through the streets of Dublin as I have addresses in the city for both Dunoyer and Patrick Henry. Had I more time I would have loved to find out whether these buildings were there in 1782. Now I want to know more about the history of Dublin itself!
I may never be able to find out anything more specific about my ancestor, indeed my many Irish ancestors, FitzGerald was from Kerry but where or when I do not know. Dunoyer from France but I have no idea where or when? Somehow being here I realise that my particular story is not so important because my history is part of the history of the whole island. Every Person IS Connected as the sign says at Epic.

Noella
P.S. But I shall continue to read Irish history!!

We are so glad that you have enjoyed your time with us and wish you a safe journey home!

The EPIC museum is indeed a fantastic place to visit even if ancestry research is not on your list.

Just walking the streets of Dublin, as you say, is a journey back in time for you and the start of a journey into the cities history.

We wish you all the success in the future with your quest for family and Dublin knowledge, please feel free to let us know any progress.

Martin