Don't know if this is any use to you but a friend of mine is a Tarpey....she now lives in South Africa but her Dad lived here in England...his name was Thomas...she is doing her family genealogy and from what I can remember I think they originated from Ireland but am not sure whereabouts...it may be useful for you to contact her...her name is Christine and her email address is famdb@cyberserv.co.za you can tell her that I gave you her details. I wish you the best of luck...I am researching Burkes...and it is a minefield...lol...good luck.
Pat