Re: Hennellys from Athenry, Co. Galway

Kurt:

I do not know where my Hennellys were from prior to Athenry. I have the 1821 census with Patrick there and the understanding that they were farmers who lost their farm and moved into the village of Athenry. Patrick's son, Martin, my g-g-grandfather, worked for a railroad before emigrating in the 1860's to Waltham, MA.

Milford rings a bell with me, but I cannot place it now. I believe I am aware of the Hennelly name being tied to that town from prior searches. It seems that there was significant Hennelly emigration to MA, NY (city and upstate), and the Mayo Hennellys more to the midwest. We have a William Hennelly who went to Norfolk, VA.

Neither Bartholomew or Coleman is in my tree, to my knowledge. The names Patrick, Micheal and Thomas are most common in ours.

The Griffiths Valuation of 1855 has a Patrick Hennelly owning land in Caherroyn and Gorteenacra. I am wondering if there is a relation between the latter and Hennelly's pub in Gort. I do not think either is my Patrick.

What is your tie to the Hennelly name?

I have been told the name may be a derivation of Fennelly or Kenneally, for what that's worth. But, it's been around at least 600 years, with a concentration it seems on the Mayo/Galway border.

I will let you know if I learn anything about Bartholomew or Coleman, and appreciate your looking me up and doing likewise.

Joe Henley