I am a 68 years old descendent of an of an Irish immigrant to the United States. Michael Leonard was my ancestor. He immigrated to Canada in 1829 and went from there to Lockport, Niagara, New York. He worked on the canals and farmed in Wiscosin until his death in 1861. My dream was to visit Ireland and walk the land and breathe in the air that my great greats had originated from. I have a fairly active imagination since I am a photograph, teacher and artist. 

I visited Ireland in May 2013 to see the land of my Irish ancestors. I had done extensive genealogy on them to the best of my ability but hit a brick wall when it came to place of birth and origin. I did know that they came on board ship from County Tipperary in Aug 1829. My great great grandmother was born on board ship Aug 19 1829 and her mother died in child birth. The childs name was Ann Leonard. I have a few images of her but know only facts about her life and legacy. I thought a trip to Ireland would help me understand where she came from and what the family left behind. I had guessed that they were from Youghall area based on a name in the 1835 Tithe records but it is only a guess. 

My photography students got wind of my planned trip and wanted to come along. I expanded the scope of the trip to include them and we based out of Pucaun, County Tipperary in a thatched cottage for 2 weeks. The day trips were wonderful and we were blessed with great weather (at least for Ireland). Spring was a fe weeks late which even added to the landscape with beautiful clouds, birds, butterflies, flowers etc. 

We visited the Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher, Youghall, Lough Derg, Dromineer, Ashley Park, Garry Kennedy, Kilaloe, Ballina, Silver Mines, Knigh Cross, Rock of Cashel, and the list goes on We met the most wonderful people, made instant friendships and had grand adventures. 

It was a trip of a lifetime but I left with unfinished business. I still hear the ancestors calling. I suppose it is in the blood or DNA. I want to come back and do some more photographic work in Tipperary/Galway, visit the genealogy files in Dublin, and finish a portfolio I started as a result of the last trip. The goal is to have a photographic exhibit and genealogy work combined of my Irish ancestors. I am posting some of my images below that are in the current folio of work. Grant money and travel money is hard to come by for a photography teacher but when I saw the contest at the last minute I thought what the heck, there are miracles and luck of the Irish. 

Ann Leonard, Circa 1854, Wedding Day

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