Hi Ger,

There are four derivations of it that I know of- Shiels, Sheils, Shields and Sheilds and they appear to be the same name but with the usual split in the spelling once it began to be written down- ultimately I think we are all of the same stock no matter where our 'd' is!

Ger,

This is awesome. Just flew back from San Diego, so I'll explore this more after I've rested my eyes some. Well done!

Rick.

Gerry,

I have been brought up with a sense of belonging. I come from a Canadian Ulster Scot family on my father's side. My Gran always exposed me to the culture, the language, the customs, history and the heritage of both Ireland and Scotland. I felt a sense of coming home from the first time I stepped out into the peat air in Shannon. I had a sense of "knowing" as the Ferry pulled into the dock at Cill Rónáin. It is that which I try to speak to within my photography and writings 

Bit, can you share with us some of your written work, as well? Where is Cill Rónáin?

Gerry .. Thanks for making me feel so welcome.  My people are in Kilteevan, Carrowban and Ballinaboy, Roscommon.  There's a well known restaurant called Regan's in Roscommon town .. any relation?  (Excellent Lamb Chops!)

Hi Gerry,

My lucky day. Thanks for the welcome. My address is 

John Walsh

Doire Press

Aille, Inverin

Co. Galway

Ireland

I look forward to rocking.

best,

John

Talking with those Galwegians on Wednesday was fun. Thanks  for hosting the event.

Jim

Thanks, Ger. I'm rather up to my ears at the moment promoting the new paperback edition of The House on an Irish Hillside and completing work on my new novel. But I'm delighted to be here, looking forward to keeping in touch, and I'll do some quick uploads now while I've time.

Hi Ger,  'Tis me, Louise Murray, & I am having quite a time trying to get a note to you?  Either I hit wrong button, or don't, but either way, I have typed out 2 full messages to you, but both of them are gone! Phew, blown away!!!  What would be the best way to respond to you emails to me?  Sorry for being unable to send a complete one to you as yet.  Moneymore is in Co. Derry, & it is where me family lives.  Also, Reid, my husband and I will be leaving on 25Jun for Dublin to spend 2 months in dear Erin!  Our first stay for 3 weeks. will be in an ancient stone build barn, that has been refurbished into a lovely, livable home.  It is part of the O'Neill's residence.  I am most excited in this upcoming stay, as through research, I have learned that my family, the Murray's are linked to the O'Neill's who were considered the High Kings in Ulster, Northern Ireland.  This, and more is what I hope to learn in our stay in Ireland this year!  

Looking forward to  your reply,  Also, I have a great many pictures taken on our multiple trips to Ireland,  Would it be ok if I downloaded them on to the Wild Geese site?

Slant'

Louise Murray

Louise, thanks for elaborating on your noble Irish lineage. :-) Please share as much about Ireland and your Irish family history here as your time and energies allow. I beg you to do so, and this includes your vacation pix!

Thank you. I am looking forward to participating in the trivia contest and so much more on this site.

No, but Galway Shawl is my favorite traditional Irish song. I liked the picture and thought it would make a good icon. I hope its ok that I used it.

Go raibh maith agat, Gerry,

In reply to your question of the "Flynn's", I am guessing you are referring to my personal family. The surname of Flynn is ranked among 41 of the most common name in Ireland, although I am not sure if that includes the counties that are unfree in the northeast area of Ireland. My paternal great-grandfather was born in County Tyrone. My maternal grandmother was born in Donegal, and arrived in NY after 1900. My maternal grandfather arrived in Philadelphia from County Mayo after 1900. Each had a distinct Irish-American story.

Thank you for the warm welcome, Ger. I'm a second generation Irish American (Maiden name Quigley, and from a line of McCarthys and Sullivans), feeling somewhat adrift since the passing of everyone in my family from my parents generation. I'm looking forward to making new connections! 

Patty, I think many of us here can relate to now being in the vanguard of family ancestry. It can be lonely at the top! ;-) We have a few Sullivans within the community, including Fionntan and at least on other. Looking forward to learning more about your 'Irish story.' Ger

down in Ecuador visiting my son for a spell. Haven't met many who know much about the Irish Brigade but spreading the word here and there

Neil, maybe they know something about William Walker, a 'filibusterer' who in the 1850s raised a mercenary army to establish an American and pro-slavery foothold in Latin America. I'm sure he'd be a reviled name there, among any who knew of his history. There were some Irish involved, I think.

Thank you for the welcome.  I recently discovered my Irish heritage through Ancestry.com.  The Hollingsworth family was from Armagh, Ireland and immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1600s or early 1700s.  And yes, we live north of Richmond, VA.  We hope to visit Ireland some day.