I received the results from my participation in the Ancestry.com DNA Beta test. I was surprised by a two aspects. First, my surname is Anglo-Norman in origin and I expected to find some Scandinavian ancestry since the Norman invaders of Ireland were Viking in origin. Second, my mother's father's family is clearly documented as German, but that didn't show up at all. Instead the test shows 93% British Isles, 7% undetermined.

In addition, in looking through the possible matches, I am noting that some of them include individuals from what may be very minor branches of my tree, originating in Wales. But there are very few Irish surnames in the trees of the possible matches, and none so far from Cork, where my family name predominates.

I know this test is in its infancy, but had hoped for something more useful. If you have any thoughts about how to interpret the information I would welcome it.

Jim Barry