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I am studying the origins of the the Gleeson Sept of North Tipperary over the last six centuries and the genealogies of numerous Gleeson families of the ancient family parish of Kilmore (Silvermines).
The Gleesons of Kilmore were Erenachs, meaning they were the founders of the ancient abbey and also for many generations custodians of the church. In the Down Survey of 1646, for example, Teige Glissane and John O’Glissane are recorded as the Erenachs of Kilmore Abbey.
This publication will examine the origins of this modern day anglicised name, the prevalence of Gleesons in North Tipperary, events involving the Gleesons in Kilmore, the impact of the 1840s Famine, the use of nicknames to distinguish the many Gleesons, mid 19th century emigration to new lands and some Australian Gleesons of Kilmore descent.
My own branch was Michael Gleeson 1 and Elizabeth Kennedy (ca 1770-1820) who had at least five children - Patrick, James, Michael 11, Margaret and John.
Michael Gleeson 11 married Catherine Walsh (she died during the 1840s Famine) and they had at least three children: John, Michael 111, and Eliza, who was baptised at Silvermines on 5 August 1843. There may have been other siblings and there were cousins who emigrated to New York.
John Gleeson and Margaret (O') Brien, both of Erinagh, Kilmore, migrated to New South Wales and married at St Matthew's Windsor in 1859. Their present day descedants include third generation Australians - Gerald Gleeson 1; Gladys Furlong; Gwen Dempsey; Vince Gleeson; Joan Wendt; and in the fourth generation - doctors, Tim Furlong, Maree Gleeson; priest & philosopher, Gerald Gleeson 11; lawyers, Fabian Gleeson, Justin Gleeson, Clare Furlong & Mark Dempsey; teachers, Paul Furlong, Keiran Dempsey; visual arts, Sally Furlong; Mary Anne Furlong is a gifted speaker.
I welcome contributions from descendants of other Silvermines' Gleesons.
Damian John Gleeson
Concord, Sydney,
Australia
e-mail: Nenagh@bigpond.com
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