I just happened upon your message from 2001 and Im sorry I hadnt seen it sooner. My Grandfather Michael Higgins was born at Culkeen in 1880. His parents Michael Higgins and Bridget Cruise.
Michael b. 1840 at Cloonfineen and Bridget b. 1838/9 at Betal. Bridget's parents were John Cruise and Margaret Diskin. I have tried to find any linkage to families in the parish of Kiltullagh for Bridget Cruise, be they Cruise or Diskin to no avail. Since Michael and Bridget were married in Granlahan Chapel, and her brothers James and Thomas were christened in Kiltullagh parish, I would think the family had roots there. In 1865, Bridget's first son's godmother was an Ellen {Driscon] and Patrick Kaveny and that's it for Diskin or Cruise godparents. Bridget was born before the parish register starts, so no info there.
James christened in 1840 had Wm and Mary Griffin as godparents.
Thomas christened in 1842 had Wm and Winifred Griffin as godparents.
Michael Higgins Sr. had a brother Bernard who married a Mary Fleming and since they were married in Kiltullagh she was probably from that parish. After marriage they moved to and lived at Pollanoon, Galway which is right below Kiltullagh parish.
I hope you have had better luck finding relatives in Killtullagh than I have.
michael duffy