Unfortunately, except for the 1901 and 1911 census returns, a few books, and the 1798 Rebellion, Wexford is not as well represented in the LDS film catalogue as are many of the other counties in Ireland. Parish registers have not been filmed, except for a few small excerpts re particular surnames. This leaves us at the mercy of either writing the parish priest (which many times goes unanswered), hiring a geneologist in Ireland (somewhat expensive), making the trip to either Dublin or Wexford to review the records ourselves (everyone’s dream!), or as a last , request a search by theWexford Genealogy Center I will use my own experience regarding the latter. You may be the judge of their services.
In 1997, and again in 2000, I requested a search for my ggrandfather John Cullen RYAN, a Catholic, who was born in Cullenstown, Co Wexford in April of 1826. His father was William or Edward RYAN, his mother ? CLARKE (first name unknown).
Six months later, I was sent a computer printout of 2 “possible hits”--- 2 John RYANs born in Glynn Barntown--one in 1823, another in 1830—the first’s father--John, mother-- unknown, the latter’s father-- Patrick, mother--Margaret WADDING!!!! Obviously not my man…
In 2000, I tried again. This time I was aware that there were 2 Cullenstowns in Wexford. one being in the RC parish Bannow, a second being in the RC parish of Clongeen. I received back a letter that they had the Bannow records computerized from 1873-1900. Records were kept since 1830, but had ‘been mislaid by the clergy’. There was no mention of the Clongeen parish at all!!! I rewrote the Center, requesting a search of the Clongeen records. They replied that they began in 1847 and thus were of no use in my search.
Last year, I ordered a book, “Clongeen Through the Ages”, compiled by Imelda MURPHY. It is a marvelous collection of the parish’s history and its people. A chapter regarding ‘Horetown/Little Cullenstown’ gave me a very important bit of information. Apparently, prior to 1850, Cullenstown was part of the RC parish of Adamstown. These were the records which I became intent on searching.
This past month, in Dublin, my 2nd cousin John McLEOD of the ACT in Australia, searched the Adamstown parish records. In them he found a baptism, April 10 1826, John RYAN, father-Ned RYAN, mother Judy CLARKE. Thanks to a book purchase of $7, I think we’ve finally found our man!!!!!!!
Some films relating to Wexford, from the Family History Catalogue of the Church of the Latter Day Saints
Film # 100158
All excerpts are in reference to an ‘1821 census’.
This appears to be the work of an individual who is unnamed, having gathered data on specific place and surnames, most likely prior to the 1922 fire, which destroyed the actual census records
Item 80—Extracts for St Mary’s Parish including townlands of New Ross, Bishopsland, Bawmore, Realysland and Ballymacur--for surnames of HOWLETT, KAVANAGH, CUMMINS, SINNOTT, DOWNES, WALSH, SWEETMAN, HAY, DILTON, GALAVAN.
Item 81—Entries from Adamstown and Misteran townlands, for the surnames of SMITH, DOWNES and GALWAY only.
Item 82---Extracts for Tintern. Entry for surname of HOWLETT only.
Item 83—Extracts for Whitechurch, including townlands of Great Island and Ballykelly, for surnames of KENT and HOWLETT.
Item 84—Extracts for Fethard and townland of Ramstown, for surnames of ROSSITER and HOWLETT only.
Item 85—Entries from parish of Ruhaspect, aka Rathaspick, including townlands for Bachelor’s Hall, Brookfield and Peircetown for surnames of PEIRCE, PINDER, FORTUNE, DILLON, FURLONG and CODD only.
Item 86—Extracts from Parish of St John’s. Surname COONEY only.
Item 87—Extracts for Enniscorthy. For selected surnames only (names not given)