Ellen Roderick spent 28 days in Ireland (Sept 19-Oct 15). Her professor friend, Gene McLoone, helped his Catholic parish in Johnstown, PA plan a 12 day guided bus tour of Ireland. Gene suggested that he and Ellen stay on for an additional two weeks so that she could explore family roots which she had wanted to do ever since her mom and dad did in 1967. Gene is connected to Swinford, County Mayo (Nana Henry's "Rosanna Veronica Sheridan" home city and county) -- Gene's mother was from a little village southeast of Swinford while Nana Henry was from a little village (Killasser) northwest of Swinford. Gene has relatives in County Mayo and County Donegal (his father's home county). This first photo is of our arrival at the Dublin airport on the morning of Sept 20, 2008. |
On Sept 24, 2008, Ellen met Josephine "Jo" Henry McGroary, daughter of Walter Henry Sr. (Ellen's grandfather's brother) and her son, James, who live in Owenbeg, County Donegal. They dined at the Abbey Hotel in Donegaltown. This second photo is of Jo, James and Ellen at the restaurant. |
On Oct 3, 2008, Ellen met Jo's brother, Walter Henry Jr., who lives in Carns, Aclare, County Sligo. He came to the hotel in Swinford, Co. Mayo and picked her up for a day she shall never forget. This third photo is of Walter and Ellen on Main St., Swinford as they began the “journey back in time.” |