Furnace Island

Antoinette Lydon

Furnace Island is in the civil parish of Kilcummin. The civil Parish corresponds with the following Church of Ireland parish of Kilcummin, Galway West. In general, the civil parish and the Church of Ireland parish are the same as is the case in the Kilcummin Oughterard area.

Furnace is in the Electoral Division of Gorumna, in Civil Parish of Kilcummin, in the Barony of Moycullen, in the County of Galway

Irish name for Furnace is Fornais

Translation:  a furnace (one iron mill here)

Parish:  Kilcummin

View all place names in this civil parish

Other Forms of the Name with the authority source (if provided) in italics.

Furnace

Foirneis

Furnish Boundary Surveyor

Feenish Barony Cess Book

Furnish Rector of Kilcummin

Furneish Local

Finnish County Map

Finish Barony Map

Description:

A furnace was once there for burning timber for the manufacture of Iron, in which timber was burned. Contains 218¾ acres.

Situation:

An island in the sea, it also belongs to Lettermullen.

Information from the Landed Estates Database

The following is a list of those houses in this townland which are discussed in the Landed Estates Database.

Silverstream

Information From Joyce’s Place Names

Translation according to P. W. Joyce

Furnace and Furnish, the names of many places in the west and north-west, are a memory of iron-smelting furnaces, mostly of the Anglo-Normans and English. English translation of the Irish Sorn.

Information from the Down Survey Website:

The Down Survey is a mapped survey. Using the Civil Survey as a guide, teams of surveyors, mainly former soldiers, were sent out under Petty’s direction to measure every townland to be forfeited to soldiers and adventurers. The resulting maps, made at a scale of 40 perches to one inch (the modern equivalent of 1:50,000), were the first systematic mapping of a large area on such a scale attempted anywhere. The primary purpose of these maps was to record the boundaries of each townland and to calculate their areas with great precision. The maps are also rich in other detail showing churches, roads, rivers, castles, houses and fortifications. Most towns are represented pictorially and the cartouches, the decorative titles, of each map in many cases reflect a specific characteristic of each barony. http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/

The Down Survey website will tell you who owned this townland in 1641 (pre Cromwell) and in 1671 (post Cromwell).

Down Survey website

The Tithe Applotment Books

 About the Records

Tithes were a tax on agricultural produce which was payable by the occupiers of agricultural land. They were the main source of income for the parish clergy of the Church of Ireland (the largest Protestant church and the church established by law). However, in many parishes a large part of the tithes were ‘appropriate’, which meant that they were payable to a bishop, cathedral chapter or other ecclesiastical recipient, or were ‘impropriate’, which generally meant that they were payable to a local landowner. The parishes used in the Tithe Applotment Books are civil or Church of Ireland parishes, which often differ in name and territory from Catholic parishes, Acts of Parliament of 1823 and 1832 provided for the conversion of tithes into a fixed charge on land, and specified the average price of wheat or oats in the parish in the seven years before 1821 as the basis on which the tithes would be calculated. They also extended the application of tithes to pasture, where previously they had been levied only on tillage.

This change in the law resulted in the valuation of individual holdings in almost all parishes containing agricultural land, in order to assess the portion of the tithes for which each occupier of land would be liable. The apportionment was recorded for each Church of Ireland parish in a Tithe Composition Applotment Book. The information was collected and the amounts were calculated by two Parochial Commissioners, one of whom was appointed by the cess-payers of the parish and the other by the relevant Diocese of the Church of Ireland. This procedure was carried out in over 2,500 parishes between the years 1823 and 1837.

The Tithe Applotment Books are in a variety of formats, from a few pages sewn together to elaborately bound volumes. In most cases they are written in manuscript throughout, although some consist of manuscript entries on printed questionnaires. The information in the books is broadly uniform and generally includes at least the name of occupier; the size of holding, the valuation and the tithe payable. In some cases more detailed information is provided. Some volumes have maps and most have certificates and correspondence attached.

The sub-divisions of the parish were recorded. Some of these subdivisions, such as ploughlands, ceased to be in official use after the six inch survey of the Ordnance Survey was completed in the 1840s. Only productive land was subject to tithe, and the books usually distinguish between this tithable land and untithable land such as roads or mountains. Tithable land was in some cases classified by quality, and a money value was given to each class. In some cases the proportion of tithe payable to the rector, vicar or lay proprietor of the tithes was set out. The column for observations was sometimes completed, with information about commonage, for example.

There are a number of other points that should be noted. The acreages given in the Tithe Applotment Books are in Irish or Plantation measure, which is 1.62 times larger than statute measure. Only occupiers of land at the time of the tithe composition are recorded, so not all heads of households living in a parish at the time are included. Only rural areas are systematically covered, although inhabitants of towns who held plots of cultivable land are included. The equivalent tax in urban areas, Minister’s Money, has left few records.

The Tithe Applotment Books are an important source of information for a wide variety of researchers of pre-Famine Ireland. They provide the first surviving national list of the occupiers of land, and are used by genealogists as a partial substitute for returns of the 1821 and 1831 censuses of population, which were destroyed in 1922. They also record information on the quality of land, and provide information on pre-Ordnance Survey territorial divisions, some of which were not recognized after the 1840s.

The National Archives hold the original Tithe Applotment Books only for the twenty-six counties of the Republic of Ireland. The books for the six counties of Northern Ireland are held in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland in Belfast. (http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/aboutmore.jsp)

No information available

http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/results.jsp?surname=&firstname=&county=Galway&parish=kilcummin&townland=furnace&search=Search

Griffiths Valuation

In Griffith’s valuation the area was 218 acres, 3 rood & 31 perch with a land value £44 5s 0d. Value of Buildings was £5 5s & 0d. Total valuation of £49 10s 0d.

Occupiers of the Land

Matthias Barrett, Catherine Flaherty, Daniel Flaherty, Dl Flaherty, Martin Flaherty, Myles Flaherty, Pk Flaherty, Ptk, Flaherty, T Flaherty, John Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Anthony McDonagh, James McDonagh, Michael McDonagh, Anthony O’Donnell, Luke O’Donnell, Pk O’Donnell & Thomas O’Donnell

Immediate Lessor

Henry Comerford

http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=doNameSearch&PlaceID=559216

Poor Law Union Ireland

In Ireland the Poor Relief Act of 1838 divided into districts or “unions” in which the local taxable inhabitants were to be financially responsible for all paupers in the area. In 1898 the Poor Law Union was adopted as the basic administrative division in place of the civil parish and barony. Further subdivision into 828 registration districts and 3,751 district electoral divisions followed. Townlands were not arranged according to these divisions with parish and barony retained as a means to make comparisons with records gathered before 1898.

The 1838 Act

The main provisions of the 1838 Act were:

  • The extension of the existing Poor Law Commissioners’ powers to Ireland, with the appointment of Assistant Commissioners who were to implement the Act in Ireland.
  • The division of the country into Poor Law Unions based on Irish electoral divisions which were themselves made up from townlands.
  • The creation of a Board of Guardians for each Union, two-thirds of whom were to be elected, the other third to be appointed ex officio.
  • The setting up of a workhouse in each Union.
  • The collection of a local poor-rate to finance the system.
  • Assistance for emigration.

Initially, 130 Unions were created, based upon 2,049 electoral divisions. The divisions were composed of townlands, a peculiarly Irish unit, traditionally of 120 Irish acres in area. (Between 1848 and 1850, an additional 33 Unions were created by subdividing and reorganizing the boundaries of some existing Unions, particularly in the west of the country.

Boards of Guardians were elected annually on 25th March. Only rate-payers were eligible for election, which effectively disenfranchised most of the native Irish who were usually tenants at this time. Rate-payers were allowed between one and six votes depending on the size of a valuation of their property.

Out Offices and Land

The out office was a farm building, a cow house, piggery or barn. The land was very poor and sterile and people were always poverty-stricken. At this time most tenants were trying to eke out a living on 5 acres or less and a farmer needed at least 15.3 acres to survive.

What is a townland?

A townland is one of the smallest land divisions in Ireland. They range in size from a few acres to thousands of acres. Many are Gaelic in origin, but some came into existence after the Norman invasion of 1169.

Furnace is a townland.

Information on Population & Census

People who lived here:

You can retrieve a list of people who lived in this townland from 1827 to 1911. This list is compiled from the following resources.

  • The Tithe Applotment Books
  • Griffith’s Valuation
  • 1901 Census
  • 1911 Census

List of 19th & early 20th Century Inhabitants.

http://places.webworld.org/people/10396

Census 1841-1891 

1841 – 25 house with 155 people

1851 – 23 house with 132 people

1861 – 29 house with 168 people

1871 – 29 house with 154 people

1881 – 30 house with 155 people (79 males / 76 females). There were 13 outbuildings. Total Valuation of Houses & Lands £49 15s 0d.

1891 – 25 houses with 130 people (73 males / 57 females). There were 9 Outbuildings. Total Valuation of Houses & Lands £49 15s 0d.

1841/1851 Old Age Pension Census Search Forms

Barrett

An application was made by Barrett  from Furnace Island in the Parish of Kilcummin in the Barony of Moycullen. Reference # Cen/S/2009.  Record was found for 1851.

Flaherty (Flaherty)

An application was made by Flaherty  from Furnace Island in the Parish of Kilcummin in the Barony of Moycullen. The surname Flaherty also appears on the application. Reference # Cen/S/2010.  Record was found for 1851.

O’Donnell (Flaherty)

An application was made by O’Donnell from Furnace Island in the Parish of Kilcummin in the Barony of Moycullen. The surname Flaherty also appears on the application. Reference # Cen/S/2011.  Record was found for 1851.

O’Donnell (Flaherty)

An application was made by O’Donnell from Furnace Island in the Parish of Kilcummin in the Barony of Moycullen. The surname Flaherty also appears on the application. Reference # Cen/S/2011.  Record was found for 1841.

Michael Flaherty

An application was made by Michael Flaherty. Address: The Mills, Gorumna Isld, Lettermullen, Co. Galway

Full Names of Father and Mother of the applicant: Tom & Mary Flaherty (Flaherty)

Residence in 1851: Townland: Furnace Island. Parish: Kilcummin, Barony: Moycullen, County: Galway.

Date of receipt: 24/2/21 Reference: CenS/11/2010 Application No. C/21 1624

Return searched by FW 1/3/21 Thos & Mary Flaherty md (married) 1841 no return of Michael Sheet 12

3/7  written on top right corner of application

Application form

Joseph O’Donnell 1841 search

An application was made by Joseph O’Donnell. Address:  Tiernee, Lettermore, Co. Galway

Full Names of Father and Mother of the applicant: Thomas & Bridget O’Donnell (Flaherty)

Residence in 1841: Townland: Furnace Island. Parish: Kilcummin, Barony: Moycullen, County: Galway.

Names found on the application: Maggie, Joseph, Mary, John, Coleman & Ellen.

Date of receipt: 1.3.16 Reference: CenS/11/2012 Application No. C/16 1709

Return searched by ?? 2.3.16

2/-  C/24 713612 written on top right corner of application

Application form

Michael Flaherty

An application was made by Michael Flaherty (1850). Address:  Furnish Island, Lettermullen P.O. Co. Galway

Full Names of Father and Mother of the applicant: Martin & Kate Flaherty (King)

Residence in 1851: Townland: Dinish Island, Lettermullan Island. Parish: Kilcummin, Barony: Moycullen, County: Galway. 

Date of receipt: 24.3.20 Reference: CenS/11/2031 Application No. C/20 446

Return searched by GB 23/420 found parents married 1839 no trace of applicant sheet 3 x

2/-  P.O. 1/6 Stamps 6 written on top right corner of application

Application form

Joseph O’Donnell

An application was made by Joseph (Joe crossed out) O’Donnell (1840-2). Address: Mr. John Keane, Barrack Cross, Carraroe PO, Co. Galway

Full Names of Father and Mother of the applicant: Thos & Bridget O’Donnell (Flaherty)

Residence in 1851: Townland: Furance Island, Parish: Kilcummin, Barony: Moycullen, County: Galway. 

Date of receipt: 16.2.16 Reference: CenS/11/2011 Application No. C/16 1344

Return searched by JJO’T 17/2/16 Certified AW 18/2/16 Form replaced by GB 18/2/16

Copy despatched to Applicants Address WD 19.2.16

2/-   c/23 7/4329  written on top right corner of application

Application form

Julia Barrett

An application was made by Julia Barrett. Address: Custom & Excise Oughterard

Full Names of Father and Mother of the applicant: Mathias & Anne Barrett

Residence in 1851: Townland: Furance Island, Parish: Kilcummin, Barony: Moycullen, County: Galway. 

Date of receipt: 19 Sept 10 Reference: CenS/11/2009 Application No. D/10 20690

Return searched by W?? 1/10/10 Particulars found: Found parents, no trace of the applicant

Table 1: Mathias Barrett 60 Head of the family, Ann Barrett 48 wife Married in 1822 Michael Barrett 24 son, Patt Barrett 22 son, Martin Barrett 19 son, John Barrett 17 son, Mark Barrett 10 son & Johanna Barrett 8 daughter.

Table 2: Blank

Table 3 Mary Barrett 20 daughter Year of Birth 1848.

Application form

Additional family information

 

1901 Census

This is a return of the member of the family, their Visitors, Boarders, and Servants who slept or abode in their house on the night of 31st of March 1901 in Furnace Island. There were 20 houses listed in the townland of Furnace Island. 103 (56 females/ 47 males) were all Roman Catholics. The people that lived in Furnace Island were born in Co. Galway.

There were a total of 10 farm buildings and out-offices which included cow houses & piggeries.

Enumerators Extract

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000838817/

House & Building Returns

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000838818/

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000838819/

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000838820/

Return of Out Offices & Farm Steadings

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000838821/

Class of House: The class of house depended on the materials used in the roof, walls, number of rooms and number of front windows. A 1st class house was considered the highest standard.

Walls of the houses: The walls were of stone, brick, and concrete or of mud, wood or other perishable material. The house in Furnace Island was built of stone, brick or concrete. There were no mud cabins.

House 1

John Barrett aged 60 was head of the family; married to Margaret aged 40. They lived with their children Mathias aged 22, Martin aged 20, Mary Anne aged 18, John aged 16, Julia aged 15 & Michael aged 13.

John & Margaret were farmers, Mathias, Martin, Mary Anne, John & Julia were labourers and Michael was a scholar. The entire family could read and write and spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had 2 cow houses & a piggery.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393471/

House 2

Pat Flaherty aged 60 was head of the family; married to Mary aged 55. They lived with their children Michael aged 26 & Mary aged 24, both single.

Pat & Mary were farmer’s. Michael was a farmer’s son & Mary was a farmer’s daughter.

Pat and daughter Mary could read & write; Michael could not read or write. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393472/

House 3

Patrick Flaherty aged 46 was head of the family; married to Mary aged 40. They lived with their children Agnes aged 16, Colman aged 10, Lizie aged 7, William aged 5 & Maggie aged 2.

Patrick was a carpenter and a farmer. John was a carpenter, Agnes was a farmer’s daughter, Colman was at school, Lizie & William were scholars & Maggie was an infant. Patrick, Mary, John, Agnes, Colman & Lizie could read & write and spoke Irish & English. William could not write; he spoke Irish & English. Maggie could not write and spoke English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows; they had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393473/

House 4

Mary Flaherty aged 80 was head of the family, a widow. She lived with her son John aged 36, daughter Nappy Connolly aged 40 & grandchildren Thomas Connolly aged 15, Mary Connolly aged 13, Patt Connolly aged 10, Peter aged 8, John aged 6, Anne aged 4.

Mary was a retired farmer, John was listed as deaf & dumb, Nappy was a housekeeper, Thomas was an agriculture labourer, Mary, Patt, Peter, John & Anne were scholars. Mary, John, John Connolly & Anne could not read or write. Nappy, Thomas, Mary, Patt & Peter could read and write. Mary, Nappy, Thomas & Mary spoke Irish & English. Patt, Peter, John & Anne spoke only English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows.

This family were listed as being born in Furnish.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393474/

House 5

Joseph McDonogh aged 36 was head of the family; he lived with his nephew John McDonogh aged 9, both single.

Joseph was a farmer & John was a scholar. Joseph & John could not read or write; Joseph spoke Irish & John spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393475/

House 6

Pat McDonagh aged 51 was head of the family; a widower. He lived with his son John aged 19, daughter Mary aged 15, Martin aged 9, son Patrick aged 10, granddaughters Maria aged 8 & Agnes aged 7 and son John aged 5.

Pat was a farmer, John was a farmer’s son, Mary was a farmer’s daughter, Martin, Patrick, Maria, Agnes & John were scholars. Pat could not read or write, both John’s could read; Mary, Martin, Patrick, Maria & Agnes could read & write. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 1 front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393476/

Note: I would have to assume that the younger John was a grandson.

House 7

Martin Audley aged 60 was head of the family; married to Bridget aged 55. They lived with their son Patrick aged 18, single.

Martin was an agricultural labourer & Patrick was a postman. Martin & Patrick could read & write and spoke Irish & English. Bridget could not read and spoke Irish.

They lived in a 4th class house with 1 room and no front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393477/

House 8

Dan Flaherty aged 50 was head of the family. He lived with his brothers Mike aged 48 & Pat aged 45, all single and his niece Kate King aged 6, all single.

Dan was a farmer, Mike was a carpenter, Pat was a farm labourer & Kate was a scholar. Dan & Pat could not read, Mike was a carpenter & Kate was a scholar.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393478/

House 9

John Flaherty aged 60 was head of the family; married to Anne aged 50.

John was a farmer, he could not read, Anne could read and write. Both spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 1 front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393479/

House 10

James Flaherty aged 64 was head of the family; married to Mary aged 45. They lived with their children Daniel aged 27, Sarah aged 22, Celia aged 20, Michael aged 17, Bridget aged 15, Ellen aged 12, Bernard aged 9 & Martin aged 6.

James was a farmer, Daniel & Michael were farmer’s sons, Sarah & Celia were farmer’s daughters & Bridget, Ellen, Bernard & Martin were scholars.

James could not read or write, Mary & Martin could read, Daniel, Sarah, Celia, Michael, Bridget, Ellen & Bernard could read & write. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393480/

 House 11

Mary Flaherty aged 60 was head of the family; a widow, she lived her son John aged 40, single.

Mary & John were farmers, they could not read, Mary spoke only Irish. John spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 1 front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393481/

House 12

Barbara Flaherty aged 46 was head of the family; a widow, she lived with her children Jack aged 21 & Maggie aged 18.

Barbara was a farmer & the Jack & Maggie were farmer’s children. Barbara could not write, she spoke only Irish. Jack could not write, Maggie could read & write, they both spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 1 room & 1 front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393482/

House 13

Kate Flaherty aged 66 was head of the family, married. She lived with her son Dan aged 40, daughter in law Bridgit aged 32 & granddaughter Mary aged 2.

Kate was a farmer, Dan was a farmer’s son & Mary was an infant. Kate & Dan could read & write and spoke Irish & English. Bridgit & Mary could not read or write and spoke only Irish.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393483/

House 14

Michael Derrane aged 50 was head of the family; married to Barbara aged 50. They lived with their children Martin aged 17, Mary aged 14, John aged 11, Barbara aged 8 & Anne aged 6 and his mother Mary Derrane aged 80.

Michael & Barbara were farmers. Martin & Mary were farmer’s children, John, Barbara & Anne were scholars and Mary was a farmer’s wife.

Michael, Barbara, Martin & Mary could not read or write. Michael, Barbara & Mary spoke only Irish. Martin spoke Irish & English. Mary, John, Barbara & Anne could read & write and spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 4th class house with 1 room and no front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393484/

 House 15

Coleman O’Donnell aged 47 was head of the family; married to Maria aged 37. They lived with their children Anthony aged 10, Michael aged 7, Mary aged 5 & Delia aged 3.

Coleman was a small farmer. Anthony, Michael & Mary were scholars. Colman, Maria, Anthony, Michael & Mary could read and write, Delia could not read. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 1 front window. They had a piggery.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393485/

House 16

Mary O’Donnell aged 55, a widow; she lived alone.

Mary was a farmer; she could not read or write. She spoke Irish & English.

She lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. She had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393486/

House 17

John O Donnell aged 45 was head of the family; married to Mary aged 35, they lived with their children Mary aged 2 & Colman aged 1.

John was a farmer. Mary & Colman were infants. The family could not read or write; they spoke only Irish.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393487/

House 18

Martin Kelly aged 50 was head of the family; married to Penelope aged 40. They lived with their children John aged 15, Mary aged 14, Thomas aged 12, Bridget aged 10, Celia aged 8 & Michael aged 5.

Martin worked at fishing and farming. John was a farmer’s son. Mary, Thomas, Bridget, Celia & Michael were scholars. Martin could read & spoke Irish. Penelope could read & write and spoke Irish, John & Mary could read & write and spoke Irish & English, Thomas could read & write and spoke only English, Bridget, Celia & Martin could & spoke only English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393488/

 House 19

Julia Kelly aged 70 was head of the family; a widow. She lived with her son Patrick aged 34, single.

Julia was a farmer & Patrick was a farmer’s son. Julia could not read; she spoke only Irish. Patrick could read & write and spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 1 front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393489/

House 20

John Flaherty aged 75 was head of the family; married to Margaret aged 50. They lived with their sons Dan aged 29, Joseph aged 23, Michael aged 17, Dudley aged 20 & Peter aged 12.

John was a farmer, Margaret was listed as having ‘no kind of trade’, Dan, Joseph, Michael & Dudley worked the land and Peter was a scholar. John could write and spoke only Irish. Margaret & Dan could not read or write; she spoke Irish & English. Joseph could not read; he spoke Irish & English. Michael could read and he spoke only Irish. Dudley & Peter could read and spoke Irish & English. This family were all born in Lettermullen.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 1 front window.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace/1393490/

1911 Census

This is a return of the Members of family in Furnace Island, their visitors, boarders and servants who slept or abode in the house on the night of Sunday the 2nd of April 1911.

Enumerators Extract

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002431990/

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002431991/

House & Building Returns

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002431992/

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002431993/

Return of Out Offices & Farm Steadings

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002431994/

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002431995/

House 1

Mary Flaherty aged 66 was head of the family; a widow. She lived with her daughter Sarah Flaherty aged 30, single, daughter Bally (?) Mayock aged 29, married, son Michael Flaherty aged 26, single, daughter Ellen Flaherty aged 22, single, son Bernard Flaherty aged 20, single, son James Flaherty aged 18, single, son Martin Flaherty aged 15, single and grandchildren Peter Mayock aged 4 & Mary Mayock aged 2.

Mary was a farmer, Michael, Bernard, James & Martin were farmer’s sons. Mary & Peter & Mary Mayock could not read. Mary Flaherty & Peter Mayock spoke Irish & English. Sarah, Bally, Michael, Ellen, Bernard, James, Martin & Peter could read & write and spoke Irish & English.

Bally Mayock was married for 5 years; she had 2 children, both were living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house and a piggery.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470259/

Note: From the 1901 Census there was a Celia aged 20, so this could be the “Bally” listed here in 1911, as the aged ties in and the sibling’s names are the same, in particular Bernard.

House 2

John Flaherty aged 78 was head of the family; married to Anne aged 71.

John was a small farmer. Both could not read and write; they spoke Irish & English.

John & Anne were married for 55 years; they had one child.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

They lived in House 9 in the 1901 census.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470260/

House 3

Daniel Flaherty aged 70 was head of the family. He lived with his brother Michael aged 60, both single.

Daniel & Michael were farmers. Daniel could not read; Michael could read and write. Both spoke Irish & English.

They lived in house 8 in the 1901 Census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470261/

 House 4

Martin Kelly aged 72 was head of the family; married to Penelope aged 64. They lived with their children Thomas aged 24, Bridget aged 22, Celia aged 20, Michael aged 15 & his brother Patrick aged 60, single.

Martin was a small farmer. Patrick was a farmer. Thomas & Michael were farmer’s son. Martin could not read or write & spoke Irish. Penelope & Patrick could not read & spoke Irish, Thomas, Bridget, Celia & Michael could read & write and spoke Irish & English.

Martin & Bridget were married for 40 years; they had 7 children. They lived in house 18 in the 1901 Census. They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 1 front window. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470262/

House 5

John McDonagh aged 26 was head of the family. He lived with his brother Martin aged 18, niece Mary aged 17, nephew John aged 14, all single.

John was a farmer, Martin was a farmer’s son and John (aged 14) was a scholar. John & Martin could read and spoke Irish & English. Mary & John could read & write and spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470263/

House 6

Pat Conneely aged 20 was head of the family. He lived with his brothers Peter aged 18 & John aged 16 and sister Anne aged 14, all single.

Pat, Peter & John were farmers. Pat & Peter could read, John & Anne could read & write. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470264/

House 7

John Barrett aged 76 was head of the family; married to Margaret aged 70. They lived with their children Mathias aged 40, Julia aged 34, Michael aged 32 and a boarder Mark Barrett aged 73, all single.

John was a farmer. John & Margaret could not read. Mathias, Julia, Michael & Mark could read & write. The entire household spoke Irish & English.

John & Margaret were married for 42 years; they had 6 children with 5 still living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house & a piggery.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470265/

House 8

Pat Flaherty aged 71 was head of the family; married to Mary aged 69. They lived with their children Bridget aged 30, Colman aged 28, Lizzie aged 26, Willie aged 19 & Maggie aged 13.

Pat was a farmer and a boat builder. Colman was a farmer’s son; Lizzie & Willie were boat builders & Maggie was a scholar. Pat & Mary could not read, Bridget, Colman, Lizzie, Willie & Maggie could read & write. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

Pat & Mary were married for 44 years they had 12 children with 8 still living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows; they had a cow house.

They lived in house 3 in the 1901 Census.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470266/

Note: Pat aged from 46 in 1901 to 71 in 1911, Mary aged from 40 in 1901 to 69 in 1911, some of the children ages jumped in the 10 years between 1901 & 1911.

House 9

Michael Flaherty aged 50 was head of the family; married to Mary aged 40. They lived with their children Mary aged 5, Kate aged 3, Margaret aged 2 & Joseph aged 1.

Michael was a farmer. Mary(child) was a scholar Michael, Mary(child), Kate, Margaret & Joseph could not read; Mary (mother) could read & write. Michael, Mary, Mary(child), Kate & Margaret spoke Irish & English.

Michael & Mary were married for 7 years; they had 5 children with all 5 living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470267/

House 10

John Cloonan aged 40 was head of the family; married to Maggie aged 42. They lived with their children Mary aged 4 & Colman aged 2 and Mary Griffin aged 71, widow.

John was a farmer. Mary was a servant. John, Mary, Coleman & Mary could not read. Maggie could read & write. John & Mary Griffin spoke only Irish. Maggie spoke Irish & English.

John & Maggie were married for 5 years; they had 2 children with both living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470268/

 House 11

Daniel O’Flaherty aged 52 was head of the family; married to Bridget aged 40. They lived with their children Mary aged 11, Michael aged 9, Bridget aged 6. Joseph aged 5, Pat aged 4 & Kate aged 3 months.

Daniel was a farmer. Michael, Joseph & Pat were farmer’s sons. Daniel & Bridget could not read and spoke only Irish. Mary could read and spoke Irish & English. Bridget, Joseph, Pat & Kate could not read and spoke Irish & English.

Daniel & Bridget were married for 12 years; on the census return they entered that they had 5 children, where in fact they had 6. Also I could safely say the 3 month old Kate could not speak Irish & English.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470269/

 House 12

Mary O Donnell aged 46 was head of the family, a widow. She lived with her children Anthony aged 20, Michael aged 18, Mary aged 14, Bridget aged 12 & Joseph aged 5, all single.

Mary was a farmer, Anthony & Michael were farmer’s sons and Bridget & Joseph were scholars. Mary (mother) & Joseph could not read. Mary (mother) spoke only Irish. Joseph spoke Irish & English. Anthony, Michael, Mary & Bridget could read and they spoke Irish & English.

Mary was married for 22 years and had 9 children, with 5 living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had 2 cow houses & a piggery.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470270/

House 13

Daniel Flaherty aged 40 was head of the family; married to Julia aged 32. They lived with their son Pat aged 5, his mother Margret aged 70 & nephew John aged 16.

Daniel was a farmer; Pat was a scholar.

Daniel, Pat & John could not read, Julia & Margret could read. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

Daniel & Julia were married for 2 years

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470271/

 House 14

Michael Derrane aged 67 was head of the family; married to Bab aged 60. They lived with their daughters Bab aged 17 & Anne aged 14, nephew John Derrane aged 7.

Michael was a farmer. Anne & John were scholars.

Michael, Bab & John could not read; they spoke only Irish. Bab (daughter) & Anne could read and spoke Irish & English.

Michael & Bab were married for 32 years; they had 7 children with 5 living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows.

They lived in House 14 in the 1901 Census.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470272/

House 15

Bridget Joyce aged 70 was head of the family; a widow, she lived alone.

Bridget was a wool spinner. She could not read and spoke only Irish.

She was married for 45 years; she had 12 children with 7 living at the time of the census.

She lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470273/

House 16

Colman Flaherty aged 30 was head of the family; married to Norah aged 29. They lived with their daughter Maggie age 1 and servant Michael McDonagh aged 14.

Colman was a farmer; Michael was a farmer’s servant. The entire house household could not read. Colman, Norah & Michael spoke only Irish.

Colman & Norah were married for 3 years; they had 2 children with both listed as living on the census return.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and no front window. They had a barn.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470274/

House 17

John O Donnell aged 60 was head of the family; married to Mary aged 45, they lived with their children Mary aged 13 & Colman aged 12.

John was a farmer. Colman was a farmer’s son. John & Mary (mother) could not read; Mary & Colman could read. The entire family spoke Irish & English.

John & Mary were married for 15 years; they had 2 children with both living at the time of the census.

They lived in a 3rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 front windows. They had a cow house & a barn.

This family lived in House 17 in the 1901 census.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470275/

House 18

Mary O Donnell aged 80 was head of the family; a widow, she lived alone.

Mary was a wool spinner. She could not read and spoke Irish & English.

She lived in a 4th class house with 1 room and no front windows.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Gorumna/Furnace_Island/470276/

Church records of births, deaths and marriages:

Church records of births, deaths and marriages are available online at http://www.rootsireland.ie. To search these records you will need to know the ‘church parish’ rather than the ‘civil parish’. (The civil parish is the pre-reformation parish and was frequently used as a unit of administration in the past.)

Furnace is in the civil parish of Kilcummin.

Catholic parish:

This civil parish corresponds with the following Roman Catholic parish or parishes.

  • Clonbern & Kilkerrin in Galway East.
  • Carraroe in Galway West.
  • Kilannin in Galway West.
  • Kilcummin/Oughterard in Galway West.
  • Rosmuc in Galway West.

Church of Ireland parish:

This civil parish corresponds with the following Church of Ireland parish.

  • Kilcummin in Galway West.

In general, the civil parish and the Church of Ireland parish are the same, but, this is not always the case.

Information From Maps

Original OS map of this area

Ireland was first mapped in the 1840s. These original maps are available online.

Furnace

Original OS maps at the Ordnance Survey of Ireland website

Below is a link to the Ordnance Survey of Ireland website. It displays the original OS map that was created in the 1840s.

Furnace

Information from Google Maps:

You can use this link to find this townland on Google Maps.

Google Maps

Information from the National Monuments Service:

You can use this link to view a map of archaeological features. This link brings you to a website wherein you will have to search for your townland.

Archaeological map from the National Monuments Service

Townlands.ie Website

http://www.townlands.ie/galway/moycullen/kilcummin/gorumna/furnace/

Galway Library Website

http://places.galwaylibrary.ie/asp/fullresult.asp?id=52691

This page was added on 10/03/2016.

Comments about this page

  • Would you please reattach the “List of nineteenth century and early twentieth century inhabitants”.? The link on this page does not go anywhere. In Griffith’s land valuation, Stephen Mulkeeran is listed as having a house on Furnace island in 1853 and I would like to know the other inhabitants at that time. Thank you

    By Kathleen Mulkern (19/12/2017)
  • House #1 1911. Yes the reference that ‘Bally’ is Celia is correct. The actual document reads Ceilly.
    Celia had married in Rhode Island to William Mayock, and traveled back to visit her family with her two children. When her father died, she stayed on for an extended time to help her mother and siblings. This was explained to me by Celia’s granddaughter.

    By Diane E. Martin (30/07/2016)

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.