Careys of Ballingarry

John Carey's parents were married in the parish of Mahoonagh in County Limerick, Ireland in 1826. John's brother, Patrick was christened in Mahoonagh in 1838. No christening record has been found for John Carey, but the Mahoonagh parish register has gaps in the late 1830s.

Mahoonagh is a parish in the west of County Limerick. It is sometimes called Castlemahon. There are two main villages in the parish, Mahoonagh and Feohanagh. Mahoonagh is an ancient Irish name, which means "place of the tree stumps".

The first appearance of the Carey family in the Mahoonagh occurred when Richard Carey married Johana Cullinane:

Richard Carey married Johana Cullinane on 30 January 1826 in Mahoonagh. The witnesses to the marriage were John Cullinane and Patrick Kiely.

Patrick, son of Richard Carey and Johana Cullinane on 12 October 1838 in Mahoonagh.

11 March 1814 John Carey was a witness at the marriage of James Heligan and Margaret Connel.

7 August 1815 James Carey was a sponsor for the baptism of Mary, daughter of Demetrius Hayes and Mary Carey.

Bridget, christened 25 January 1822, daughter of Jeffrey Carey and Mary Gibbon.

Mary, christened 25 December 1824, daughter of Jeffrey Carey and Mary Gibbon.

Mary, christened 29 March 1847, daughter of Thomas Carey and Margaret Connors.

Honora, christened 18 September 1852, daughter of Thomas Carey and Margaret Connors.

In Griffith's Valuation, a tax valuation of landholders, for Mahoonagh in 1851 there is only one Carey listed. Thomas Carey is found in the townland of Curragh in lot 4:

Occupier: Thomas Carey
Immediate Lessor: John Meagher
Description of tenements: House and land
Area: 3,1,30
Net annual value: 2 L., 2 s., 0 d.

Richard Carey, Geoffrey Carey and John Carey are found in the townland of Common (An Coimin) or Commons in the parish of Ballingarry in the Griffith's Valuation of 1852. Ballingarry is situated a few miles east of Mahoonagh. Ballingarry means the "town of the garden". Ballingarry was a booming town in the early 1800s, and the important industries were weaving and linen. The town's economy was badly impacted by the Famine. The countryside around Ballingarry is dominated by the hill of Knockfierna, which means "the hill of truth". Common had about 88 houses, a school house, police barracks, and a commonage area of 198 acres. Patrick Carey was also shown as having land other than a house in the area.

Knockfierna was a site of ancient importance. The site includes the Knockfierna Giant’s Grave, the Knockfierna Cairn, the ancient Knockfierna Ogham Stone, and the Lisnafeean Fort. An ancient javelin head was found on Knockfierna. "Knockfierna Cairn, according to Lewis, was the site of the ancient temple of Stuadhraicin. The authority for this statement is not given but the heath-covered hill for about a mile west of the dome is known locally as the 'Strickeens'."

“The area is classified as heathland and dominated by Ling, Bell Heather, Cross Leaved Heath, Bilberry, Gorse, Cranberry, Bog Rosemary, Bracken, Rushes, Sedges, Bog Cotton, Purple Moor Meadows, Foxtail, Fexcues, Mosses, Lichen (dozens of species), Fern, Woodrush, Purple Orchid, Meadow Saffron and Yellow Foxglove and the Hen Harrier. The fauna includes butterflies, caterpillars, hawks, darter, etc." (Knockfierna the Hill of Truth) The view from the top is described: "Most memorable was a fine August day when my husband and I stood on top of Knockfierna, a hill of only 950-feet and yet commanding a tremendous all-round view of wide windy acres of rich Munster land, and beyond them the Shannon Estuary, the Kerry hills…To know that every year it has been the custom of our ancestors to assemble on these hills in festivity and high spirits, to look out over the plains and pick out the landmarks, it to understand better Irish history.” (The Festival of Lughnasa, by Maire McNeill)

The Careys farmed the fertile ground in Ballinaha and Common at the base of Knockfierna. The commonage area on Knockfierna was hilly and rocky, and not good for farming. It was literally in the Carey's backyard. Knockfierna is now the site of a park dedicated to the famine houses – houses that were built and occupied on commonage land by those who were evicted by ruthless landlords in the potato famine. Many were evicted from the nearby Cox estate in Ballynoe, a townland just south of Commons. "Knockfierna had a lot of common ground, meaning that it was not owned by a landlord, so many evicted families moved to the upper slopes between 1830-1845. The hill was densely populated with over two hundred stone cabins and a total population of over one thousand persons. These people had plots of land, and depended on potato crops totally so when the crop failed in consecutive years they faced death or emigration." (Knockfierna, the Hill of Truth)

The Limerick Reporter for May 1847 recounts events that took place in the area during the Famine: "Seven carts of flour and four loads of Indian meal from Croom were being escorted by police to Ballingarry, when 500 men and women attacked the convoy near Kilmacow. When they were told the supplies were for the Relief Committee at Ballingarry, they took only one cart-load...On the same day as the attack, 300 people from Knockfierna Hill drove off fifty cattle and only gave up when they were promised work by the curate." The famine memorial is located very near the Carey's property: "You will see pre-famine unfinished field patterns, walls and potato ridges (lazy beds). These ridges show that the last crops were never dug out because of the potato blight. A megalithic tomb is visible on the northern slope of Knockfierna and the remains of a cairn on the summit. The Mass rock is on the northern side of the pinnacle which was used during the Penal times (1700-1800).”

A local history describes Commons at the time: "Much of Cnoc Firinne is a commonage, and in the bad times people used to come from all parts and build Scalps (Scailpeanna) to live in. These were very numerous during that time. The poor men did a day's work when they got the chance. Their wages were four pence a day. During the famine times when there was nothing to eat but turnip leaves, one poor man died of hunger because he was too honest to steal and too proud to beg. Stealing was very rife in those days. Some were noted for stealing...A family named Dore, who were powerful strong men were noted for doing things of this kind. Flour used to be taken out in sack loads from a mill in Limerick to some of the small towns and very often this used to be held up near Kilmacow Cross by the Knockfierna boys and the flour taken. This became so common that soldiers were sent to Knockfierna to prevent such occurrences. They camped in Dan Sheahan's field and to this day the field is called "The Camp Field". There was also a police barrack in Knockfierna, but the police ceased to live in it over one hundred years ago. The Barrack is now owned by Mr. David Biggane." (Old Stories from Knockfierna During the Famine Times; Knockfierna & District Annual Journal, Vol 5, 1993)

The Careys owned a small lot of land, which they subdivided. They owned it in fee, and did not pay rent or live in the commonage area in a famine house. They showed great resiliency to have survived, as the area was hard-hit by the famine. Richard's house was small - 15 1/2 feet by 21 1/2 feet, and he owned 3/4 acres of land. This is a cottier or farm laborer's size property. Altogether, with Richard, John, Patrick, and Jeffrey, they owned about four acres. Richard and Jeffrey could have been working as farm laborers in Mahoonagh in the mid-1820s, then returned home to work the family property. In 1850 John Carey was listed as a milk supplier in Ballingarry parish, so the Careys were dairy farmers at this time, and this may have allowed them to survive the potato famine better.

Their property in Griffiths is shown as "in fee", which means that "real estates or freeholds of inheritance are described as in fee". (The Archives of the Valuation of Ireland 1830-1865, Frances McGee) The property had likely been inherited from their ancestors.

Records created in 1849 in preparation for Griffith's Valuation give more details on the Carey's property. These records are the House Book, Land Book, and Tenure Book.

A House Book record created in 1849 gives details about the size of their houses. The unit of measure at this time in Ireland was in feet. Richard's house was 21 1/2 feet long by 15 1/2 feet wide, and 5 1/2 feet tall. The height may be measured from the ground, with the house dug in to the ground inside. The quality rating for the house of 3C+ indicates that it was an old thatched roof house of stone walls with mud mortar, or mud walls of the best kind. It was old, but in repair.

Jeffrey's house had belonged to Bridget Carey before 1849, but her names was lined out in 1849 and Jeffrey's name was added. The lot was Jeffrey's by 1852. His house was smaller - 10 1/2 feet long by 15 feet wide, and 5 feet tall. The quality rating of 3C indicates that it was an old thatched roof house of stone wall with mud mortar, or mud walls of the best kind, which was old and out of repair.

John Carey's house was bigger, although he had the smallest property. It was 30 1/2 feet long by 16 feet wide by 5 feet tall. The quality rating of 3B indicates that it was a medium-age thatched roof house of stone walls with mud mortar, or mud walls of the best kind, which was of medium age, slightly decayed, but in good repair. John was living in a newer and larger house than Richard and Jeffrey.

Jeffrey emigrated to Chicago with Richard in about 1863, and is believed to be his brother. They were both about the same age. Patrick owned the land on which Richard, Jeffrey and John's houses stood, but Patrick owned no house. In another related record, he is shown to be living with John, and is most likely the father. John must be the oldest son, as the land passed to him.

A Land Book record shows the quality of the land the Careys owned. It is shown as clay, and moory arable. The value of the house and land did not exceed five pounds, so would not have been taxed. Thomas and Patrick Carey had owned "heathy pasture" land nearby, but did not own it by 1852.

The Tenure Book gives details about the lease or ownership of the land. This record provides some very interesting details. Patrick and Richard Carey owned the land in fee, free forever, since 1827. Since Edward Carey occupied the land in the 1826 in the Tithe Applotment, perhaps 1827 is the year he died, and the land passed to his family member. Bridget, then Jeffrey also owned the land since 1827. John leased his house from Patrick, and they lived together, as indicated by the small arrow near their names.

Ballingarry parish appears to be the Carey's ancestral homeland. The earliest mention of the Careys of Ballynaha was in 1808, when J. Keary of Ballynaha, land, was selected for the Grand Jury. (Ballingarry, Granagh and Clouncagh, County Limerick, Archival Records, 1800-1900). A description of Ballynaha hints at a more ancient heritage: "In the west part is O'Brien's Fort and in the southern part are Keary's two forts." (Ballingarry, Granagh and Clouncagh, County Limerick, Archival Records, 1800-1900)

The Careys in Ballynaha leased land from William Scanlan, who seemed to be the immediate leasor for most of the land in Ballynaha in Griffiths. He is shown as William Scanlan, Esq. in the Tithe Applotment in Ballynaha in 1826. This is the landlord, and he was known as "Counsellor Scanlan". Born in Ballingarry in 1799, Scanlan was a member of the Protestant gentry in Ballingarry. He was the son of Michael Scanlan, the High Sheriff for County Limerick, and the grandson of Michael Scanlan of Ballynaha, and Maine in the parish of Mahoonagh. Scanlan's connection to Mahoonagh may explain Richard and Geoffrey living in Mahoonagh, possibly as they worked on another of the landlord's property before returning to the Carey land. (Scanlan of the Barony of Upper Connello, Co. Limerick`; Brian de Breffny and Alicia E. Evers)

House Book for Ballynaha, 1849

The Carey family in Ballynaha shared Lot 4, and are found in a House Book created in 1849, which gives details of their homes and farm buildings. These homes were newer than the homes in Commons.

Mary Carey had a house in Lot 4a that was 18 feet long by 19 feet wide and 7 feet tall. The house was rated 2B, which was a thatched roof house of stone or brick with lime mortar, in medium condition, slightly decayed, but in good repair. She also had two outbuildings, which may have been a barn, stable or piggery. One was 8 feet long by 10 feet wide, and only 4 feet tall. It was rated 3B, a thatched building of stone walls with mud mortar or mud walls of the best kind, in medium condition, decayed, but in good repair. The other outbuilding was 19 1/2 feet long by 14 1/2 feet wide and 6 feet long, and 6 feet tall. It was rated 2B, a thatched building of stone or brick in medium condition, in good repair. The property was assessed at £1.6.11.

Thomas Carey lived in Lot 4B, with a house that was 20 feet long by 19 feet wide by 7 feet tall. The house was rated 2B which was a thatched roof house of stone or brick with lime mortar, in medium condition, slightly decayed, but in good repair. There was one outbuilding, 21 feet long by 11 feet tall by 5 1/2 feet tall. It was rated 3B, a thatched building of stone walls with mud mortar or mud walls of the best kind, in medium condition, decayed, but in good repair. The property was assessed at £1.6.1.

John Carey lived in Lot 4C, with a house that was 31 1/2 feet long by 19 feet wide by 7 feet tall. The house was rated 2B which was a thatched roof house of stone or brick with lime mortar, in medium condition, slightly decayed, but in good repair.There were two outbuildings. One was 26 feet long by 16 feet wide by 6 feet tall. The other was 12 feet long by 13 feet wide by 5 1/2 feet high. Both building were rated 2B, a thatched buildings of stone or brick in medium condition, in good repair. The property was assessed at £2.6.1.

Michael Carey lived in Lot 4D, with a house that was 32 feet long by 29 feet wide by 6 1/2 feet tall. The house was rated 3B, a thatched house of stone walls with mud mortar or mud walls of the best kind, in medium condition, decayed, but in good repair. There was one outbuilding, 14 feet long by 13 feet wide by 5 1/2 feet tall. It was rated 3B, a thatched building of stone walls with mud mortar or mud walls of the best kind, in medium condition, decayed, but in good repair. The property was assessed at £1.7.0.

Close-up of the Carey's property on Lot 4 in Ballinahaha, showing the locations of houses and buildings on the property

Side notes in the Observations column of the Tenure Book for Commons townland show some connections between the Careys in Commons and the Careys in Ballynaha.

Details from the House Book for Commons, 1849

The Observations columns for Patrick, Richard, and Bridget, then Jeffrey show no additional notes.
The land only owned by Patrick Carey has a note "paid £3 fine to John Ceary" in the Observations oolumn.
The house and garden leased by John Carey from Patrick Carey has this note in the Observations column "paid £1 fine to Mary Ceary 1825".
The Donohue neighbors in Lot 11 have this note in the Observations column "paid £12 fine to Edmd Ceary 1839".

In Ballynaha, Edmond Carey was shown in 1826, but is gone by 1849, and is likely deceased. Mary Carey is still shown in Ballynaha. The observation notes do show a land connection between the Ballynaha Careys and the Commons Careys. The Carey homes in Commons were older than the Carey homes in Ballinaha - did this mean that the family had originally lived in Commons, and expanded to Ballinaha, to land about a 1/3 mile away?

Careys are mentioned in the early Ballingarry parish register as witnesses and sponsors:

16 April 1825 Edmund Carey was a sponsor for Margaret, daughter of John Meaher and Marie Aheren.

24 June 1825 Margaret Carey was a sponsor for John, son of John Sullivan and Mary Rennahan.

7 February 1825 John Carey was a witness for the marriage of James O'Leary and Catherine Aheren.

21 February 1826 Jeffrey Carey was a sponsor for James, son of George Lynch and Mary Carey.

7 May 1826 Richard was a sponsor for John, illegitimate son of James Connell and Honora O'Donnell.

7 September 1827 Thomas Carey was a sponsor for James, son of Michael Kelly and Bridget Costeloe.

1 May 1827 Edmund Carey was a sponsor for Winifred, daughter of David Lillis and Elizabeth White.

5 May 1827 Thomas Carey was a witness for the marriage of Thomas Kelly and Helena Fitzmaurice.

There are several Careys found in the Ballingarry Tithe Applotment of April 1827. They are concentrated in the townland of Ballynahaha (which means the "town of the kiln"), with one addition - John Carey is found in the townland of Ballinoe. There are no Careys found in Mahoonagh in the Tithe Applotment.

The Tithe Applotment is a census taken of land holders. It was taken in Ballingarry in 1826. The land was assessed, and the assessed tithes were paid to the support of the Church of Ireland (Protestant), no matter the religion of the land holder. Ballinahaha is shown in this record as Ballinaha.

This is the complete list of occupiers in 1826 for Ballynahaha in the Tithe Applotment:

Lot # Occupier
246    Timothy Duane
247    John Riedy & co
248    Thomas Carey & co (acreage: just over 45 acres)
249    Own Deneely
250    Danl Sullivan
251    Thomas Mahony
252    Edmd Carey, hill (Note: the word hill is a descriptor or agnomen to differentiate people of similar names. In this case it means that Edmond Carey lived on the hill. Acreage: just over 4 acres. The nearest "hill" was Knockfierna)
253    Simon Sheahan & co
254   Daniel O'Briene
255   Daniel     "        , Commons
256   Thos O'Briene, Firon
257   Thos & Wm O'Briene
258   John Carey & co (acreage: just over 11 acres)
259   Edward Carey (acreage: just over 3 acres)
260   Edmond Kennedy
261   William Scanlon, Esq.
262    Edmond Kennedy

263    James Doyle
264    Edward Carey (acreage: just over 2 acres)
265    Michl Donahoe & co
266    George Lynch
267    Timothy Halloron

In the townland of Ballinoe:
829   Patrick Cullinane
831   William Cullinane
xxx   John Ceary

The population of Common townland was 629 in 1841, in 123 houses. In 1851, just after the famine, the population dropped to 464 people in 87 houses. By 1901, the population was just 91 people in just 26 houses.

Michael Carey of Ballynahaha and his family are found listed in a pension application of 1917. Michael's son Thomas filed for an old age pension. Since his birth was not recorded in the parish register, an extract from the 1851 Irish census (later destroyed) was used, and lists his entire family. Thomas was 14 years old at the time of the census, making his year of birth 1837. His parents were Michael and Ellen Carey. His sisters were Alice, Mary and Catherine Carey. A handwritten note instructs that the siblings be listed in order of birth. The family lived in Ballynahaha townland, Ballingarry parish, County Limerick. Another handwritten note in the margin says "Found, Michl Carey married 1836 & 1841, wife Margt married 1841, son Thos 14 yrs, no trace of first wife". It seems that Thomas' mother Ellen died, and Michael married again to Margaret in 1841. Thomas and Ellen must have been married in 1836. Michael must have been born in about 1810, so was about the same age as Richard and Jeffrey Carey. Michael is not listed on the Tithe Applotment of 1826, but is found in the later Griffiths Valuation of 1852. His father may be Thomas, who is listed in both valuations, as Michael's only son was named Thomas.

1917 Pension Application for Thomas Carey of Ballynahaha (www.findmypast.co.uk)

The Tithe Applotment records show four Careys living in Ballinaha: Thomas, Edmond, John and Edward. There is only one Carey - Edward, living in the Commons area near Ballynahaha, therefore he is likely to be the father of Patrick Carey, who owned inherited land in Commons later. The Edward Carey in Commons, and the Edward in Ballynaha are probably the same person, as no differentiator or agnomen was used to identify them as separate individuals in the same townland area. It seems that Edward owned a small amount of property in Commons which was passed on to Patrick before 1849. From the tenure books, we know that the land in Commons passed to Patrick, Richard, and Bridget in 1827. Perhaps Edward died, the land passed to his son, Patrick, who subdivided it for his sons. Bridget is most likely Edward's widow. We also know that Richard Carey had a son, Edward, who may have been named for his grandfather.

There is a mention of John Carey of Ballingarry in the Limerick Leader in 1850, when he was selected as a milk supplier to the Union Workhouse at Croom:

“At a meeting of the Croom guardians, on Tuesday, George Fosbery, Esq., in the chair, the following were declared contracters: - Alexander Brothers of Limerick for timber, John Cronin of Newcastle for groceries, rice, &c.; John Costelloe of Rathkeale for brushes; and John Carey of Ballingarry for milk."

Some Careys are found in the List of Defaulters Summoned to the Petty Sessions of Ballingarry for 21 November 1829:

The borrower was Honora Carey of Ballinaha
Her guarantors for the loan were: Michael Carey of Ballinaha, and Michael Ready of Ballinaha

The borrower and guarantors had to be at least 21 years old at the time of the loan. Honora Carey may be the same person who acted as a sponsor in two of the weddings listed below. Honora Carey was a witness at Jeffrey Carey's wedding to Mary Donahue in 1827 - possibly a sister to Jeffrey and Richard.

Johanna Carey married John Rennahan 7 February 1826. Witnesses: John Carey and Mary Carey.

Mary, christened 4 June 1826, daughter of Edmund Carey and Mary Sullivan. Sponsor: Margaret Carey.

Mary, christened 9 July 1826, daughter of Jeremiah Carey and Mary Kelly.
Sponsor: John Carey and Honora Kelly

Elizabeth, christened 4 September 1826, daughter of Thomas Carey and Mary Collins. Sponsor: Mary Carey

Anna, christened 23 September 1826, daughter of Patrick Carey and ______ Dwyer.

Jeffry Carey married Mary Donohue 25 February 1827. Witnesses: Honora Carey and John Carey.

Mary Carey married Michael Mallone of Knockaderry 25 February 1827. Witnesses: Edmond Carey and Margaret Carey.

Denis, christened 2 August 1827, son of Andrew Carey and Mary Keily.
Sponsor: Jeremiah Carey

Bartholomew, christened 11 November 1827, son of John Carey and Bridget Burns.

Margaret, christened 28 November 1827, daughter of John Carey and Bridget Donohue.

John, christened 25 May 1828, son of Thomas Carey and Helen Connell. Sponsors: John Carey and Margaret Carey.

Margaret Carey married James McCarthy of Adare 18 February 1832. Witnesses: Honora Carey and John McCarthy.

Mary Carey married William Hartigan 16 February 1833. Witnesses: Mary Carey and Patrick Hartigan.

John Carey married Mary Houlihan 24 April 1833. Witnesses: Daniel Carey and Bridget Houlihan.

Mary Carey married Patrick Condon 11 February 1834. Witnesses: James Condon and Mary Carey.

John Carey married Bridget Hartigan 9 February 1834. Witnesses: William Hartigan and Mary Carey.

Patrick Carey married Bridget O'Brien 1 September 1859. Witnesses: Mary Carey and Catherine Heenan.

Mary, christened 20 January 1861, daughter of Michael Callahan and Alice Carey.

Michael, christened 10 January 1862, illegitimate son of Patrick Cary and Mary Sheely.

Bridget, christened 1 March 1862, daughter of Michael Callahan and Alice Carey. Sponsor: Ellen Carey

Mary was born 12 April 1864, the daughter of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer and Kate Morissey. The same day, Mary was christened 12 April 1864, daughter of John Carey and Catherine Morrissy. Sponsors: Daniel Cagney and Mary Morrissy.

John was born 26 January 1866, the son of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer and Catherine Morrisy. The same day, John was christened 26 January 1866, son of John Carey and Catherine Morrissy

Edward was born 4 December 1867, the son of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer, and Catherine Morrissy. The same day, Edward was christened 4 December 1867, son of John Carey and Catherine Morrissey of Ballinaha. Sponsors: John Carey and Helen Tuomy

Thomas was born 1 December 1868, the son of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer and Mary Sullivan.

Bridget was born 25 January 1869, the son of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer and Catherine Morrissey. The same day, Bridget was christened 25 January 1869, daughter of John Carey and Catherine Morrissy, Ballinaha.

Margaret was born 15 June 1871, the daughter of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer and Mary Sullivan; died 19 June 1871 in Ballinaha.

Thomas was born 2 June 1872, the son of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer, and Mary Sullivan; died 10 June 1872 in Ballinaha.

Michael was born 15 March 1873, the son of John Carey of Ballinaha, farmer and Mary Sullivan; died 8 April 1873 in Ballinaha.

John Carey of Ballinaha was born in 1845, and died 15 April 1874 in Ballinaha, just 29 years old.

Ballingarry is dominated by the hill of Knockfierna. A history in the late 1800s describes Ballingarry in this way: "The village of Ballingarry lies just within the upper or southern division of Connello Barony, about half-way between Bruree and Askeaton. Its population is roughly 400; in 1837 there were 1,685 inhabitants, these being largely weavers, boot, brogue and patten makers, turners or makers of piggins, harness makers, carpenters, wheelwrights, smiths, nailers and chain makers...Markets were held twice weekly, and fairs four times a year. The glory of Ballingarry has departed...The town is divided into two sections by the Grinoch (grannach, gravelly) stream. This flows between two hills or ridges, up the lower slopes of which the streets climb, Main Street toward Knockfierna, Turret Street passing up over a shoulder of the ridge opposite. " Records of Ballingarry, G.F. Hamilton

After Griffith's Valuation, additional valuation lists were created to show changes in ownership, and it is possible to trace the ownership of the land in Common. The next valuation was taken in about 1862, and shows only Richard and Geoffrey Carey. Patrick and John are not listed here. This may be an accidental omission, as they appear in the next update. Michael Donohoe was now shown as owning Lot 10c.

Richard is found twice in the Petty Sessions Court records in 1862, being fined when his farm animals got out:

Defendant Richard Carey of Knockfierna, witness Luke Kelly, was charged with "Your ass wandering on the public road at Kilinchile on the 22nd" and was fined three pence and one shilling cost. Date of record: 30 August 1862. (Irish Petty Sessions Court Registers, 1828-1912 on findmypast)

In the next Valuation List update, about 1863-5, Jeffrey Carey has been crossed out in 1865, and Bridget Carey owned his house and land. Patrick Carey was shown at 10b, and is also crossed out, and Bridget owned his land. This may indicate that Patrick died in about 1865, and his widow Bridget inherited the house. Jeffrey's date reflects his immigration to America in 1863. Richard was still shown as owning his land, but has also immigrated.

The next list, in about 1866, shows Richard crossed out, and his land passing to John. Bridget was also crossed out, and her land also passed to John. Michael Donohoe's land has gone to Daniel Cagney.

John Carey of Ballinaha appeared in the Dog License Registers books starting in 1869, with a black and white terrier. He is found in the Dog License Register again in 1873, with a black terrier. (Ireland Dog License Registers on www.findmypast.com)

In the next Valuation List update, John Carey continued to own the land. In about 1873, the house is shown as down, and John owned only land. At the same time, in 1871 he begins to appear in the Carey Lot 4 in Ballynahaha, with a house, offices, and about 26 acres. This supports the connection between the Careys of Common and Ballynahaha.

Bridget Carey of Ballinaha died 8 February 1878. She was shown as the widow of a farmer. Her age at death was 70 years old, making her born in about 1808. John Carey was present at her death.

Death certificate for Bridget Carey of Ballinaha on 6 February 1878. This is likely the wife of Richard Carey's brother John, who was born about 1800.

Throughout the 1880s and 90s, John Carey continued to own land only in Common, and a house in Ballynahaha. Since it is unlikely that this is the same John Carey (who would have been born in about 1800), John must have had a son named John. There is a death certificate for John Carey senior of Ballynahaha who was born in 1837.

John Carey of Ballinaha continued to appear in the dog license registers from 1878 to 1919, with a brown and white or black terrier, then greyhound, then black collie. (Ireland Dog License Registers on www.findmypast.com)

In 1894, John Carey of Ballinaha married Mary Casey. John, a bachelor and farmer, married Mary, a spinster and farmer on 16 June 1894 in Ballingarry. John was shown as the son of John Carey, also a farmer. Mary was the daughter of Cornelius Casey, a farmer of Ballyelan.

In the 1901 census for Ballynahaha, John Carey was shown as head of the house, with his parents John and Kate Carey living with them:

John Carey, head, Catholic, can read and write, age 35, farmer, married, born Co Limerick, speaks English
Mary Carey, wife, Catholic, can read and write, age 40, housekeeper, married, born Co Limerick, speaks English
Ned, son, age 4
Con, son, age 2
Kate, daughter, age 5
Mary, daughter, age 3
Margaret, daughter, age 1
Eliza, daughter, age 1 month
John Carey, father, Catholic, cannot read and write, age 60, retired farmer, married, born in Co Limerick, speaks English and Irish
Catherine Carey, mother, Catholic, cannon read and write, age 65, married, born in Co Limerick, speaks English and Irish

The house is described as having five rooms, with three windows in the front of the house. John Carey was the owner. The walls were of stone, brick or concrete, not mud or wood. There were four outbuildings - a stable, cow house, piggery and fowl house. It is interesting to note that John and Catherine, the grandparents both spoke English and Irish, but the next generation spoke only English. The next generation had also learned to read and write, but presumably in English only.

John Carey, senior, of Ballynahaha died 25 January 1906, age 69, probably of prostate disease.

John Carey, head, Catholic, age 45, farmer, married 17 years
Mary Carey, wife, age 50
Catherine Carey, mother, age 80, widow
Ned, son, age 15
Cornelius, son, age 12
Catherine, daughter, age 16
Margaret, daughter, age 11
Eliza, daughter, age 10
Hannie, daughter, age 8

This would make this John Carey born in 1866. Therefore it is probable that Patrick and Bridget Carey (born about 1780) had a son John (born about 1800), son Richard (born about 1802), and son Jeffrey (born 1807). John had a son, John, born in 1841 who married Catherine Morrissey (born in 1836). They had a son, John, born in 1866, who married Mary in 1884.

Their son, Edmond (Ned) was shown owning the land in Common until at least 1970. He inherited it from his father who died in about 1945. Mike Burke, a grandson of Con Carey, Ned's brother, shares this information about the family: Mike's grandfather, Con emigrated to Chicago: "He emigrated there in 1925 but had returned by 1930. While there he met his wife, Catherine McMahon, also from Ballingarry parish.They both returned to Ireland to get married." Con Carey fought in the Irish War of Independence with the 4th Battalion, West Limerick Brigade of the Irish Republican Army from 1917-1922, and received the Service medal. (Ireland Military Pensions and Medals; www.findmypast.co.uk) Ned Carey also fought in the Irish War of Independence with the 4th Battalion, West Limerick Brigade, and received a Service Award. (Ireland Military Pensions and Medals; www.findmypast.co.uk)

He also remembered his great-aunt Maggie Carey:. "She never married but moved to live with Con and Catherine after Ballinaha was sold. I remember going on holidays as a child there and Maggie playing card games with me – she was a lovely gentle person. Edmond (Ned) who took over the farm in Ballinanha was killed around 1970 – he cycled out in front of a car. Ballinaha was sold then. I also remember Eliza (Lizzie) – again a quiet, gentle woman." (E-mail from Mike Burke, 2012)

The Carey farmland at Lot 10 in Common is owned by the Cagneys, who are dairy farmers. The land is used as pasturage. The house was taken down in 1873. The land is accessible from the Knockfierna walking trail. The hike takes about 45 minutes. The trail is bordered by bracken, ferns, gorse, heather and thistles. There is a beautiful view of the valley below towards Ballinaha, with light misty rain creating rainbows over the valley.

A small path splits off from the trail on the left side, leading to the back of the Carey property.

Carey property overlooking the valley

Carey farmland in Common

The land was owned by the Careys until the death of
Ned Carey in 1970. It was purchased by the Cagneys
who own the dairy farm in the picture.

View across the Carey farmland

Boundary stone on the Carey farmland

Piles of stones on the lot line which may have come from
the old farm buildings

Carey farmland in Common

View to the back of the property, with more stones
along the lot line

Walking up the small path to the walking trail, about 50 yards
above the Carey land is an old stone house from the time that
the Careys were here. This may have been similar to one of the
houses that the Careys had.

Carey farmland in Common

The Careys survived difficult times here, but the Carey farmland was amazingly beautiful,
with a view of forty shades of green in the valley, and even a rainbow.
(Taken by Alice Carey Boyd, September 2023)

The Carey house and farm in Ballinaha were sold after 1970 to the Cagney family, who own it today. The house was razed, but a garden wall and original gate remain. The Cagneys transplanted daffodils from the Carey land, and also moved a large stone, which they had inscribed for the Millenium. The following pictures were provided by Mike Burke, who visited the farm in Ballinaha.

Daffodils transplanted from the Carey farm to the Cagney's (photo by Mike Burke, 2012)

The old garden wall on the Carey's property - with Knockfierna in the background (photo by Mike Burke, 2012)

          The stone removed from the Carey land - the last line says,
                          "Wherever your life's journey takes you
                             Always remember your way home."
                              (photo by Mike Burke, 2012)

Patrick Carey was born in about 1780 of Ballingarry, Limerick, Ireland, and was most likely the son of Edward and Bridget Carey of Ballinahaha Commons. The J. Keary (John or James?) of Ballynaha in the Grand Jury List in 1808 may be Patrick's brother. Thomas is of an age to be another brother, with Patrick, John, and Thomas as the sons of Edward and Bridget Carey. Patrick married Bridget Dwyer in about 1800.

1. John, born in about 1800 of Ballingarry; married Bridget; had son, John (b. 1841, who married Catherine Morrissey in 1863).

2. Richard, born in about 1802 of Ballingarry; married Johana Cullinane 30 January 1826 in Mahoonagh; had children James, Patrick (b. 1838 in Mahoonagh); John Joseph, Michael, Edward and Margaret; died in about 1865 in Chicago.

3. Jeffrey, born in 1807 of Ballingarry; married Mary Gibbon, had daughters Bridget (1822) and Mary (1824); married Mary Donohue (1827) had sons, Patrick (b. 1830) and Thomas (b. 1840); died 26 May 1884 in Chicago. Jeffrey lived with his son, Thomas, in Chicago at 79 Ewing St, 81 Ewing St, and was at 225 Ewing St when he died. His obituary read "Carey, Jeffery, May 26, 1884, father of Thomas and Patrick Carey, aged 79, native of Ballingarry, Co. Limerick. Funeral from his son’s resid., 225 Ewing Street to Calvary." At that time, John J Carey, Richard's son, lived at 250 Ewing St. In the 1890s, when John Carey died at 250 Ewing St, Thomas is shown at 245 Ewing St.

4. Anna, baptized 23 September 1826, daughter of Patrick Carey and Bridget Dwyer in Ballingarry (mother's first name not legible in the parish register). One sponsor was ______ Keeffe.

Another possible child is Mary, who immigrated with Richard and Jeffrey. Mary may also be Jeffrey's wife.

SOURCES: Ballingarry parish register online at nli.ie; Mahoonagh parish register online at nli.ie; Griffith's Valuation; Tenure Books; Land Books; House Books; Tithe Applotment, FHL# 256569; research by Limerick Genealogy; limerick.brsgenealogy.com; http://home.att.net/~wexlababe/tithes_ballingarry_parish.htm: Ballingarry, Granagh and Clouncagh, County Limerick, Archival Records, 1800-1900, Christy Kerins; 1901 census Ballingarry, 1911 census Ballingarry; e-mail communication, Mike Burke, 2012; Knockfierna the Hill of Truth, Knockfierna Heritage Society.