I can start the Ireland family in Kilkenny in 1845 when Thomas Ireland married Bridget Kealy in Castleinch, Kilkenny. Thomas lists his father as William Ireland. It is now believed that William Ireland was the brother of Richard Ireland m. Catherine Cole of Tipperary. William Ireland is listed as a sexton on Thomas' marriage reg. It is known that the Irelands were Church of Ireland as were the Coles.
What is know is that Thomas Ireland and Bridget Kealy had one son, Wiilliam Ireland b. 1847 in Kilkenny. William (sexton) m. Eliza Sparling and had 2 children, Emily Frances and Frederick William. Eliza died following the birth of Fred. We know that William left for the US by 1880 leaving his children behind with family. By 1887 both children leave for the US.
Nothing is known of William or Richard living in Tipperary. Richard marries Catherine Cole and has several children born in Kilcooly, Tipperary, the boys all having Cole as a middle name-Thomas Cole Ireland, Samuel Cole Ireland, Richard Cole Ireland, and William Cole Ireland. William C. Ireland is in Kilkenny in the early 1900's. Catherine Cole is the daughter of Henry Cole Sr. and sister of Peter Cole, father of Elizabeth Cole who is sent for by William Ireland in the US and they married in Connecticut.
Is there any information about a William Ireland, Sexton, in Tipperary before 1845? Thomas Ireland's wife is Bridget Kealy daughter of Patrick Kealy and Mary Ann. Bridget has two sisters known to have emigrated. Julia Kealy is in Duxbury Massachusetts by 1854. Mary Ann Kealy is married to John Roe, and they and 7 children born between 1840-1855 leave for Ontario Canada by 1858. Family lore is the Roe/Kealys are from Wicklow by why is Bridget in Kilkenny in 1845.
Any thoughts???
Bonnie in Arizona