Bi-Centenary of St. Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Kilnaughtin, Tarbert
A wonderful record of longevity was celebrated in Tarbert on Sunday last, when the congregation and a large gathering commemorated the bi-centenary of Kilnaughtin 1814-2014. To mark this event, the Tarbert Historical and Heritage Society launched an impressive book ‘200 Years of Change’. For anyone interested in the history/genealogy of the North Kerry area, the book is a must.
The contributors to the book were able to draw from the Vestry Minutes Book 1778 – 1834, valuable primary sources. There are 254 pages of local history, including stories of bygone farming practices, and excerpts from the 1938 Schools Folklore Essays, submitted at that time by pupils of Kilnaughtin National School.
For myself, the fascination of reading the entire Register of Baptisms 1793-1914, clearly printed, no scowling through a magnifying glass trying to decipher long faded entries, was a revelation. The lists include the date of Baptism, Christian Names, Parents Names and Place of Abode. 
Dr. Declan Downey’s Editorial Note concerning the Baptismal Register reminds us that:
‘Between 1560 and 1869, the Church of Ireland was the official state church ‘as by law established’. Therefore all who wished to have their births, marriages and deaths legally registered, especially with a long term view to inheritance rights, and regardless of their religious persuasion, were obliged to avail of the relevant ministrations of the local Church of Ireland clergyman until the passage of the Non-Conformist Relief Act (1779) and the Catholic Relief Acts (1781-1793). Since Baptism was (and is) mutually recognised among Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant Christians provided that the Trinitarian Formula is used, the administration of the sacrament in the official state church did not give rise to much contention.
During the 18th century, many clergy of the state church were content just to receive baptismal, marriage, and funeral fees from Roman Catholics and Non Conformist Protestants (Dissenters) and record the respective rites of passage in the official registers. The turned a ‘blind-eye’ to the clandestine administration of these rites by the respective clergy of Catholics and Dissenters alike.’
St. Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Tarbert 1814-2014, 200 Years of Change
Available €20 from The Bridewell, Tarbert, Co. Kerry, or Pat Lynch, Chairman Tarbert Historical & Heritage Society. email: joanpatricklynch@eircom.net
Thanks for the review Kay.
We are delighted with the way the day turned out and the reception to the book.
Mike
Mike, it was a very enjoyable day. I thought that Declan was brilliant. He added such gravitas to the occasion. Other bloggers (in Dublin & New York) picked up my blog and publicised it also.
My Great grandfather, James McAvoy (McEvoy) was born in Tarbert in 1841, His father and grand father were also I believe. Timothy McAvoy 1816-1876 and James McAvoy. James (1841) settled in Milford, Massachusetts where he married Ann Cunningham in 1874.
In the States we spell McAvoy with an “A” not an “E”. Don’t know why.
I would be very interested in learning if “200 years of Change” would give me any information/insight into their lives.
I have been to Tarbert in 2014 and visited many of the churches but didn’t find any grave sites that I could connect my relations to.
I am excited to join your blog. I know I will get back to Ireland again.
Julie, yes I can see the record of your Great Grandfather’s baptism – on 1st Feb 1841. His parents Timothy McEvoy and Catherine Walsh with Sponsors Henry Walsh and Margaret McEvoy. I would heartily recommend the book St Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Tarbert 1814-2014, 200 Years of Change. As the name suggests it is a general history of Tarbert with based around those attending the Established Church of St Brendans but I found it fascinating for local history and to understand how people live at that time. I haven’t had time to check and see if there was any reference in to the McEvoys. If you are interested in getting a copy, you should email Pat Lynch at joanpatricklynch@eircom.net.
Hi Kay
Does this book also cover local marriages for Kilnaughtin? I have been trying to find the marriage record for a Francis Pielow (Peilow depending on the spelling) and Esther (I believe her maiden name is Murray). From the irishgenealogy.ie website I have found births for 3 of their children from Kilnaughtin (St Brendan’s) between 1840 and 1848. They eventually ended up in Cork but I am trying to prove certain links as the records have gone cold. I wonder if this book may have the answers that I am seeking.
Dave, thank you for your comment. No, the book does not include Marriages – just baptisms. I have looked online (www.IrishGenealogy.ie) for a marriage in Kilnaughtin for Pielow (or variants) and an Esther (Murray?) but there none recorded. However the online record only goes up to 1845. It might be worthwhile enquiriring from St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick if there are actual book records available. I have searched on the Anglican Parish Register list but it does not give any more information that the website above.
Have recently discovered the line of Powers/Taaffe from North Kerry-Tarbert area and surrounds, all born between 1811 and 1890, when many emigrated. How can I purchase this book?
Michae, I am not sure which book your are referring to? If you let me know I can advise.
Dave , in my research I believe I have seen an Esther Murray. Very hard to read those old baptism rolls however . My grandmother was a Murray ( Kate), maybe we are related .
Kay, I wonder if you can help me . My grandmother Kate Murray was born in Tarbert in 1884. Later in life she immigrated to Boston , USA. What’s confusing – and I can’t find answers to this – is that she is listed as “ church of Ireland “ however most of her siblings and her mother , Bridget Quilligan, are listed as Roman Catholic . Her father was Amos Murray also Church of Ireland . His parents were Richard and Eliza Murray and I believe Richard’s parents were Robert and Anne Murray . I have seen baptismal certificates but it’s not clear from what church . Might you have some information on this ?
Thank you !
Patrick on a quick search on http://www.IrishGenealogy.ie this baptism of Catherine (Kate) Murray does not seem to be recorded. However I am lucky enough to have a copy by Tarbert Historical & Heritage Society of the list of marriages/baptisms in Kilnaughtin Parish Church (Church of Ireland) called St Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Tarbert 1814-2014, 200 Years of Change and in this there is a record of the baptism of a Catherine (Kate) Murray on 16 November 1885, daughter of Bridget and Amos Murray. Later in 1888 there is also a baptism of Annie Murray, same parents. You could get a copy of this book if you write to Patrick Lynch, (Local Historian), Tarbert, Co. Kerry or email joanpatricklynch@eircom.net
Patrick, have replied by email to you. K
Hi Patrick,
My name is Amos Murray from Tarbert Co Kerry, While doing some research on my family, I recently discovered that most of my grand fathers brothers and sisters emigrated to Boston Mass. My grandfather was John (Johnsie) Murray who was, I believe your grand mothers brother. If you would like to contact me my email is murrayamos@virginmedia.com
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Amos Murray
Hello Kay,
Just stumbled upon this thread when researching my family in Ireland. I have a marriage record for my 3x (I think) great grandfather listed as Mathew Donoghue of Tarbert and Bridget Hayes of Listowel on 28 February 1886 with witnesses Michael Enright & Mary Moloney. Bridget would have been born around 1859, and her father is listed in a separate death record as Richard Hayes Clountubrid who died in 1892 at 93 (so born around 1799) with Mathew listed there as well with Clountubrid also listed.
That’s as far back as I’ve found and I’m interested in anything more about either side of the family but wondered if there’s anything listed in the Tarbert book about Mathew since it lists him as Mathew of Tarbert.
Would love any info and would like to purchase a copy of the book as well. How can I buy a copy? (Shipped to USA).
Thank you,
Erin
Erin, 200 Years of Change was written by Pat Lynch of Tarbert. You could email him joanpatricklynch@eircom.net and order a copy from him.
Dear Kay,
I would love to order a copy. My great great grandmother Helen Guiney was from Tarbert.She married Maurice Culhane from Ballyguillantae in Glin. Their daughter Ellen Guiney is my great grandmother. She attended a convent school, either in Glin or Tarbert until the age of 15. Then, she came to the states with a family priest with the last name of Madrigal, I believe. Sincerely,
Jane Lehner Neer
Jane, Yes – St.Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Tarbert 1814-2014, 200 Years of Change is a terrific book. You should email Patrick Lynch at joanpatricklynch@eircom.net and he will be able to help you in purchasing a copy.