Day 23 Curtin Clan

 I wouldn't come all this way to the land of my forebears without paying my respects to the place where they came from.... that is the Curtin Farm.

Curtin farm

For those who don't know....

Marie and her brother Sean are my fourth cousins, as is Madeleine in Limerick.

My great grandfather was John Curtin (we gained an "a" when we arrived in Australia!)

Marie's great grandfather and Madeleine's was Michael Curtin, and Michael and John were brothers.

Madeleine's Mum (Eileen Lynch) and Marie's Dad (Patrick Curtin) were brother and sister, so Marie and Madeleine are first cousins

Michael Curtin's descendants

There is no record of any dates relating to John Curtin, apart from his date of death in Bendigo

I have gone thought the Clare Genealogy Centre in Corofin and had our history done and they cannot find any trace of dates for him - he was just one who slipped through the cracks.

John Curtin's descendants

He married Margaret Maloney and they had a little son, Patrick , who died before they migrated to Australia. His next son, Michael was born in 1855 in Australia. This son, Michael, went on to become the Mayor of Eaglehawk in Victoria.

His poor wife Margaret had a bit of a tragic life, as she ended up dying the Kew Asylum in Melbourne

Notice of inquest into Margaret Curtain's death

One of John Curtin's sons was Edward Augustine, and he was the father of my Dad, Edward Charles - commonly called Ted.

There are obviously reams of pages that could be added and I'm always happy to share any info with anyone who is interested, I have the whole research package from that Clare Genealogical Centre if anyone would like it.

But that is the introduction as to why I keep coming back to Lahinch. It all began with my cousin Pat O'Callaghan who made the first initial inquiries, then various family members have contributed other pieces of research since then.

The farm that my great grandfather migrated from is still in the Curtin family, and Marie's brother, Sean, still works this farm. Until June this year, Marie and Sean's Mum, Nora Curtin, lived there too, but sadly she passed away just this year at the grand old age of 96.

So today's excursion was to visit the farm and pay my respects to Nora.

So let's start with a few pics

Curtin farmhouse

This still has the structure of the original building, with a few additions added on.

Curtin farmhouse

The farm is in a beautiful spot, right up the hill from Marie and Pat's house, and has magnificent views across Liscannor Bay. And today the sun is out!!!  Yay!!!  Which just enhances the beauty of their surrounds!

Views from the farm

Views from the farm

And here's a few farm buildings

Farm buildings

Farm building

Curtin Cows

Being brave withe Curtin Cows!

Sean with the Curtin Cows

Sean gets lots of ribbons in competitions for his cows. He was showing me how he can go online and bid for the cows at the market in Ennis. All high tech stuff these days!

Inside the farmhouse

Sean at the door of his house

I was very grateful to Sean for giving me some of his time today, because I know he is a busy man. But I just love going up to this place that is connected with my own history. To think that my great grandfather lived there just makes me feel that historical connection and as if it is part of my roots too.

So that's probably enough about my family history - hope that's not too boring for you, but to be realistic, that is the reason why I come to Ireland so frequently. I just feel so at home here. And especially this time, living with the Shannons.... they have just made me so welcome and I just feel a part of the wider family. So thank you guys and gals!

The other part of Lahinch that makes my heart sing is of course the Ocean.

The tide was out this morning...

Tide is out and all is still

And again....

Then when I parked down at the beach at lunchtime, the tide was still out...

At the beach

At the beach again..

And one last view of the view from the Curtin farm at Tullygarvan to finish off...

View from the Curtin farm.

Feels like home!