In early July, 1922, John Sherwood of
Manchester, England took spur-of-the-moment trip to
Ireland. While motoring around the countryside he
decided to look up his great-uncle Michael “Micky”
Murray. Micky is his grandmother’s brother, and was
living on the old Reilly homestead in Derryginnedy in
the town of Newtownbutler. It was there that John’s
grandmother Lucy Murray Sherwood and many generations of
her Reilly ancestors lived.
Never having been there, John had no idea
how to find the place. On arriving in Newtownbutler he
stopped at a pub, introduced himself, explained his
connection to the area and the Reilly and Murray
families. The locals made him feel very welcome. After a
pint, some chat and armed with directions he went on his
way to the Reilly home place.
|
On his arrival at
Derryginnedy,
John
was greeted by his 81 year old Uncle Micky
who he had never met. Micky, who lives there
alone, showed him around his small holdings.
|
Micky
Murray |
|
 |
Micky is mostly self
sufficient. He grows his own vegetable,
keeps a couple of goats, a donkey and
poultry.
The lifestyle not only keeps him busy but
also keeps him fit. John said it was great
to meet Micky and hopes to see him again on
his next visit to Ireland.
|
John is the son of Paul and Deborah
Hunter Sherwood of Manchester;
grandson of George and Lucy Murray Sherwood
of Hartlepool, England; great-grandson of Patrick and
Mary Reilly Murray of Hartlepool; great-great-grandson
of
Patrick Murray and Mary Tinneny
of Derrykenny, Newtownbutler; and great-great-great
grandson of
Mary Tinneny
of Goladuff, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, Northern
Ireland.
Photos courtesy of John Sherwood.
