In the 19th century for the poor life could change in an instant. Families who were managing fairly well to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies could, in an instant, find themselves at the mercy of the parish. An illness, injury or other change of circumstances could leave a family … Continue reading Stories From the Poorhouse (Part 5) – The Keenan Orphans
Keenan
Hugh Keenan 1901-1928
As part of my lockdown routine I like to go for an early morning walk. My route often takes me through the local cemetery where this morning I spotted this headstone. The name Unity caught my eye as it’s quite unusual and I remembered having her somewhere on my family tree. Her maiden name is … Continue reading Hugh Keenan 1901-1928
Hannah Keenan 1860-1938
Hannah Keenan was the third child of my great great grandparents Patrick Keenan and Agnes Haughey. Her sister Helen, who was always known as Ellen, was my mother’s paternal grandmother. Hannah was born on 29 September 1860 in the town of Cleland in Shotts Parish, Lanarkshire. Her father was originally from Clonallon in County Down. … Continue reading Hannah Keenan 1860-1938
A Festive Treat – The Keenan Sisters
The Christmas lunch for the senior citizens of St Brigid's parish in Newmains takes place this weekend in the parish centre. My mum will be there along with her sister, my aunt Mary. For the older members of the community it's a great chance to get together to enjoy a meal, some festive entertainment and … Continue reading A Festive Treat – The Keenan Sisters
Mary Mollahan 1924-1929
I spotted this newspaper story from June 1929 reporting the death of Mary Mollahan. Mary's paternal grandmother, Ann Keenan was my great grandmother's sister. This is the only report I have found about this incident but I have added the record of her death. It doesn't say exactly what happened. Was she playing with friends … Continue reading Mary Mollahan 1924-1929
Ann Keenan 1862-1934
My great granny Ellen (Helen) Keenan was one of 10 children of Patrick Keenan and Agnes Haughey. Her sister Ann was the fourth of those children. Ann was born in Newmains on 27 May 1862. By the 1871 census there were 10 people living in the family home at 9 Stonecraigs Row. Despite the modest … Continue reading Ann Keenan 1862-1934
