A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY SEARCH

In March 2007 I decided to research my family tree. 
My name is Geraldine O'Sullivan and my Grandmother's name was Mary Ellen Doyle.
I didn't know her as she died in 1928 at the age of 31. 
I had no idea of the Doyle family existance, and spoke to a cousin who advised me that Mary Ellen's mother was an Esther McVeigh who came from Laurencetown Co Down.  A friend told me to try and contact a local historian Plunkett Campbell who may be able to help me with my search.  I couldn't find a web-site for Plunkett but instead found a web-site for Tullylish Church and the name Catherine. 
I sent an e-mail to Catherine giving her very little information on Esther McVeigh and she promptly replied telling me that Esther McVeigh married a Charles Doyle on 21/07/1885 and had a son Michael in June 1886.  I contacted Catherine once again and made arrangements for a personal visit.

On arrival at the parish centre Catherine had arranged for 2 members of my extended family to be present - Anne McEvoy and Robert McVeigh.  They brought with them a wedding photograph of their Mother and Father's wedding.  In the photograph the best man was Charles Doyle - my Grandmother Mary Ellen's brother. I had heard that Charles and his wife Rose had migrated to Canada in the 1950's.  I thought, as I had a photograph, it would be a good idea to try and find some information on this branch of my family.

I knew from family that Charles and Rose had 8 children and one of the girl's was a Nun in Limerick.  I decided to write to different convents and after my third letter I was successful.  I had sent a letter to the Good Shepherd Convent on the Ormeau Road and about two weeks later received a note from a Sr Rita Doyle.

When I looked at the address I discovered that Sr Rita was living 5 minutes from my home address.  I contacted her and made arrangements to visit her the following day.  She was very sceptical about the meeting and didn't think we were connected.  But I had the information to prove the connection.  I have made several visits to Sr Rita and have found a lot of information about the Doyles.  I even managed to get a photograph of Esther Doyle nee McVeigh from her.

Recently Sr Rita made a trip to Laurencetown with my brother Dermot and myself, to meet with the McVeigh family - family she didn't know existed until now.  It was a very successful trip thanks to Catherine who gave me a lot of information on the McVeigh's.

If I could find a Catherine in Co Cavan who could help me with Charles Doyle's family it would be wonderful as I am having difficulty tracing this side of the family.

Once again many thanks to Catherine McEvoy for all her help and assistance.

Geraldine O'Sullivan

Geraldine O'Sullivan and Sr. Rita Doyle with Anne McEvoy, Robert McVeigh and Dermot O'Sullivan.