The Irish Military History Group

A group for the sharing, discussion, examination, and study of the history of the Irish at war and in military service in Ireland and anywhere else.

"from Military Kilkenney"

Greetings,

Can anyone help me solve the following mystery: When researching my ancestors in the church records room of The Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul in Athlone, Roscommon/Westmeath I met with much success and traced my ancestors back to an 1800 birth in Athlone...and his father was listed as being born in 1761 and written in pencil in the margin of the record book was "from Military Kilkenney".

I have been told that Athlone and Kilkenney were military garrison towns back in the late 1600's/early 1700's...but what kind of Military brigade my ancestor fought for is a mystery to me...Would he have been part of an Irish Brigade fighting against the British as the Brits pressed westward following the Battle of the Boyne (1690) or heaven forbid would he have been a 'souper' fighting for the Brits?

I have tried to research Military aspects of Kilkenny around the time of 1740 - 1800 without much success. My ancestor born 1800 Athlone was Thomas Quinlan and his father who was born in 1761 and was "from Military Kilkenney" was named William Quinlan.

Any insights from this group will be most appreciated.

Regards,

Kevin Quinlan

Load Previous Replies
  • up

    Robert A Mosher

    • up

      Kevin Quinlan

      I have assumed that - since my ancestors are tied to a majestic Catholic cathedral in Athlone, that my ancestor born in 1761 may have been in the Kilkenney military of The United Irishmen during the time of the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and in the aftermath of the Rebellion migrated westward to Athlone where my Great, Great Great Grandfather was born in 1800.

      -Kevin Quinlan

      4
    • up

      Gerry Regan

      Interesting question, Kevin. I don't have a ready answer. Has an online search turned up anything of interest. I imagine not or you would have updated us here.  Might 'From Military Kilkenney" might simply mean the information was from "Military Kilkenney" or perhaps the birth was recorded in military records held in Kilkenny or connected to the county in some way. I do imagine that checking with the Athlone historical society might provide some actionable information, or at least facilitate more networking

      1