Bernie,

Thanks for your message. We are probably distantly related. McGillicuddy's were almost exclusively from County Kerry. Have you had your Y-DNA tested?

I have been having a difficult time determining which John McGillicuddy ended up in the Darlinghurst Gaol. The man there had the correct name, was born in the correct County and was the correct age to have been my great great grandfather. He also traveled to Australia the same year that my great great grand father disappeared in 1845 when the rest of his family emigrated to America.

But I have the list of prisoners on that Hydrabad voyage and he is not listed. There was a John McGillicuddy on board but he was a guard, not a prisoner.

From what I have read, the English government often sent troops to Australia as guards on board the prison ships and then had them remain in Australia on duty after the voyage. Perhaps the guard/soldier John McGillicuddy, remained in Australia, committed some offense there and ended up a prisoner.

Another confusing factor is the name of the ship. There were two separate ships; the Hydrabad and the Hyderabad. Both carried prisoners in 1845. I can only locate the prisoner list for the Hydrabad.

I believe the Hydrabad sank off Tasmania in 1845 after disembarking her prisoners at Norfolk Island.

Apparently, the Hyderabad got out of the prison ship business and transported regular cargoes and passengers by 1847-48 when your ancestors traveled.

Regards,

Kevin McGill(icuddy)