Another question, catholic?? I have a similar situation. Some of my relatives left Ireland around 1886. Most came to USA one went to Australia for a 'gold rush' (?). When I found them on Ellis Island records, I knew it wasn't the first time some of them had come here. If they went back to Ireland you may find a clue in American Passport applications also. Since they'd be US citizens, possibly, by then they'd need it to go back to Ireland to visit the old homestead. How do you find out about people who went to Australia 1880-1900 ish from Ireland? Good luck and thanks!