The Greenan Family of County Louth
By Niall Greenan
Greenan Family Genealogy
Editor’s Notes:
Our distant cousin, Niall Greenan, graciously allowed us to add his family’s history to our website. In 1908 “Irish” John Smith visited his cousin Peter Greenan, who lived in Mooretown, Dromiskin, County Louth, Ireland. Peter and John were about the same age. Dromiskin is located just outside of Blackrock. Blackrock is located near Dundalk. Peter was born in Milltown townland, Ematris Civil Parish, County Monaghan. Peter married Ellen McGuinness and had eleven children. Niall Greenan is descended from Peter and Ellen Greenan.
Mooretown cannot be seen on the following map, but the family home was on the Dundalk Road. Niall said they would pass this house on their way to Belfast when he was younger; however, the house is no longer there.
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Home Irish John visited in 1908 on Dundalk Road (click) |
Terry and I believe “Irish” John and Peter were first cousins. John only used the term ‘second cousin’ once and that was used to describe a daughter to one of his cousins in Buffalo, New York. However, it is unclear whether John was talking about his Greenan or Duffey relatives. The following chart shows this possible relationship between John and Peter.
Urcher Townland
You may recall where John wrote in his travel log that he visited Terance Greenan in Urcher. Niall Greenan provided the following from his research notes. In the 1901 Irish census Terance Greenan (born 1846) lived in Urcher townland. Living with him was his wife, Catherine (born 1880); his daughter, Bridget (born 1900); his brother Bernard (born 1831 and single); and his sister Nancy Gregor (born 1844 and widowed).
Greenan Family Tree
The following shows Peter Greenan and his family members:
PETER GREENAN (b. 1842) married ELLEN McGUINNESS
(Peter was a policeman, went to Belfast c. 1862)
His children:
BRIDGET (b 1884),
MARY (b. 1888),
EDWARD (b. 1889),
THOMAS (b. 1891),
JOHN (b. 1893),
JAMES (b. 1895),
PATRICK (b. 1897),
ANNIE/NAN (b. 1900),
JOSEPH (b. 1902),
ELIZABETH (b. 1903),
VINCENT (b. 1909).
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The following biographical information was created by Niall Greenan.
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Peter Greenan
Born - 1842 in Milltown, near Rockcorry, Co. Monaghan
Father - Edward Greenan.
Peter joined the Royal Irish Constabulary on the 24th June 1862 and is recorded in the R.I.C. general register, as being a labourer before joining. He was recommended by Fr. M. Veagh P.P. He would have been trained at the training centre in the Phoenix Park Depot, Dublin. He was first posted to Down on the 19th November 1862.Then to Fermanagh on the 7th November 1868, Armagh on the 23th September 1879, Donegal on the 16th May 1880, and then Louth on the 1st October 1880 (where he was married in 1883). He is listed as a reserve between then and his next posting, to Galway (WR) on the 1st July 1883. He was further posted to Donegal on the 15th December 1883 and finally to Tyrone on the 11th March 1892 where he finally retired on the 1st August 1892, aged 50.
Having served 30 years and 1 month he was granted a pension of £72.Peter was promoted twice, first on the 1st October 1865 to Constable and then on the 16th September 1879 to Constable "Mounted". The system of ranks changed in 1883 with the rank of sub-constable changing to constable, acting-constable to acting-sergeant and constable to sergeant. Although this is not recorded in Peter Greenan`s record, in the general register, he is listed as a sergeant in the pension and gratuities register. It was said that he refused further promotion due to a desire to stay as a mounted officer.
He moved to Mooretown, Dromiskin, Co. Louth (near Dundalk) when he retired.
Married Ellen Mc Guinness on the 30th May 1883 in Dundalk, Co. Louth.
12 children:
Bridget Josephine born 1884
Mary born 1885
Mary Ellen (Sis) born 1887
Edward Patrick (Ned) born 1889
Thomas Joseph born 1891
John Joseph born 1894
James (Jimmy) born 1895
Patrick (Paddy) born 1897
Annie (Nan) born 1900
Joseph born 1902
Elizabeth (Lily) born 1903
Vincent born 1909
Died - 29th October 1909 (aged 67) in Dundalk, Co. Louth, of apoplexy (stroke) cardials syncope (Fainting or loss of blood due to a fall in blood Pressure).
Buried - Dromiskin grave yard, Co. Louth.
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Ellen Mc. Guinness Ellen Mc Guinness
Born - 1863 in Co. Louth, the daughter of Patrick Mc. Guinness a farmer. She was Peter Greenan’s wife.
Worked in a drapery shop before she was married. Listed as house keeper in 1901 census.
Had to move off their house, in Dromiskin, after Peter’s death and move in to a house near by. Ned was the first to move to Belfast, followed by John and then the rest of the family. First they lived at Crumlin Road and later moved to 12 Loretto Terrace, Springfield Rd., Belfast (later changed to 12 Springfield Rd.).
Died - 17th September 1945 in Northern Ireland.
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BRIDGET JOSEPHINE GREENAN (Bridget, Paddy outside the terrace)
Born - 19th March 1884 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Father - Peter Greenan
Profession - School teacher.
She is not listed on the 1901 census return for the house at Mooretown, Dromiskin, and so may have already left to become a teacher. She was principal of Kilmore School up the glen in Glenariff, Co Antrim, from 1922 to 1949 after which she retired. There was some ill will to her at first there as people thought the post should have been given to a local. The school only had one room, although there was another unqualified teacher (who also lived on The Terrace).
She first lived in a house up the glen near the school. The house had no running water and water had to be brought in from a stream across the road. Around 1940 she moved to 4 The Terrace at the Bay Glenariff, when friends of hers who lived there moved to South Africa. She also got Alice the house keeper (who was a little retarded).
Died- 28th 1964 in Cushendall hospital, Ballymeana, Co. Antrim.
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MARY GREENAN
Born - 16th December 1885 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Father - Peter Greenan
Died - late 1885
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MARY ELLEN (SIS) GREENAN
Born - 21st May 1887 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Father - Peter Greenan
Profession - District Nurse.
Mary was caught between crossfire in a house between the IRA and the Black and Tans in Waterford or Wexford and after suffering a breakdown and spent the rest of her life in hospital. She was not spoken of and most people did not even know she existed.
Died - 1983 in Pourtesburn hospital.
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EDWARD PATRICK (NED) GREENAN
“Ned’s Garage”
Born - 1889 in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Father - Peter Greenan
Profession - Motor Mechanic.
Ned was the first to move to Belfast from Dromiskin, followed by John. 12 Springfield Road was registered in his name in 1912. First worked in Harland & Wolfe shipyard as a fitter where he worked on construction of the Titanic (construction began in March 1909, launched in May 1911, maiden voyage April 10. 1912).
He started a garage, "Greenan Motors", at 37 Panton St, off the Falls Rd, Belfast (later moved to Broadway, Belfast). Paddy and Jimmy joined him in the garage after the war. Ned left because he did not like others working methods. Went to work as a mechanic in bus depot, Milltown, Belfast.) where he worked on the diesel buses. He retired some time before 1940. Like most of his brothers, he was very fond of the horses. He was quite chatty. He was also very religious.
Suffered from Parkinson's disease.
Died 1957.
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THOMAS JOSEPH GREENAN
Father - Peter Greenan
Born - 2nd March 1891 at Mc. Connell Place, Omagh, Co. Tyrone.
Profession - Journalist when he emigrated to Australia. Listed as a Despatch Clerk when joining the army, working for Messrs. J.A.Gilroth & Sons, 82 Elizabeth St., Melbourne.
Joined the Australian army on 3rd July 1915, at Melbourne, Victoria, with the catholic club, at the rank of gunner (service No. 6950). He was to receive eight shillings pay, per day. His address at the time of joining was 88 Pickles Street, South Melbourne, Victoria. He was originally attached to 4th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, Ammunition Column.
After his training he embarked from Melbourne on HMAT A18 "Wilshire" on 18th November 1915 and joined the main infantry force at Suez on 15th Dec. 1915. He was then transferred to the 19th. Battery one of the 3 batteries of the 4th. Australian Field Artillery Brigade (FAB), which he joined at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt on 8th March 1916. The Battery joined the B.E.F.(British Expeditionary Force) at Alexandria, Egypt on 14th March 1916. They were then transported to France disembarking at Marseilles on 19th March 1916. The 19th Battery was transferred to the 22nd FAB on 13th May 1916 at Armentieres. On 12/7/16 the 22nd entrained at St. Omer and detrained at Longueau Amiens and marched to billet at La Chaussee-Tirancourt. On 20/7/16 the 22nd marched to billets at Puchevillers and then to Albert the 27/7/16. On 30/7/16 the 19 Battery moved up their guns, reinforced their position and registered their guns. On 31/7/16 there was a gas alert and reports of shells falling. During the morning the19th registered their guns on Windmill Hill at Pozieres (as part of the 2nd Australian Division's push for the hill. Sometime during this day Thomas was killed.
Died - 31st July 1916 (aged 25). Listed as being killed in action.
Buried - Originally in the Quaddangle Cemetery, Bazentin, France but later exhumed and re-interred in Plot 7, Row G, grave 5 in Flagiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, France (east of Albert) (Ref. to map Sheet 57d. Square X23 b2.4.).
Thomas received 3 war medals - the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His effects, which were returned to his mother in Belfast, consisted of a wallet, photos, diary, devotional book, match box, fountain, badges and 6 small brooches. Also his Ex. kit consisted of a vest, 2 scarves, photos, 10 military books, map letters, note book, cards, 2 rosaries, 2 medallions and curios.
Physical description on joining the army - 5` 7½" high, 103 lbs. weight, chest circumference 33/35" with a medium complexion, grey eyes and ash hair. He had a scar over his right eye and a mole on his right thigh.
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JOHN JOSEPH GREENAN (John Greenan & Mary Lyons and John Greenan and soldier insert
Born - 1893 , Lurgan Green, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Went to school in Dumiskin Co. Louth
Father - Peter Greenan
Profession - Motor mechanic.(Fitter)
Was foreman at JB Fergisons Belfast. Left Belfast because of dislike of religious bigotries and moved to Dublin. He first joined Byrnes Garage, on Pearse St. as a foreman and later joined Hutsons Garage no Merrion Rd. also as a foreman. He then formed a car repair partnership with William Jackson renting a garage space at the back of Reynolds bicycle shop at 86 Sandymount Rd. After coming to Dublin he lived in digs with Mick & Molly Tracy at Bath Av., Sandymount until he was married. They lived with Mary’s parents after wedding at 19 Tritonville Road, Sandymount, Co. Dublin.
Remarried Kathleen Mc Loughlin Aug/Sept 1939 at St John’s church, Blackrock, Dublin.
Moved to 13 Merrion View Avenue, Merrion, Dublin.
Died - 12th October 1953 (age 58) at Sir. Patrick Duns Hospital, Dublin.
Buried - 14th at Glasneven Cemetery, Dublin. Cause of death - Cordial and respiratory failure, Coronary thromboses generalised aterie selerosis paralysis agilans certified.
Mary B. Lyons
Born - 25th February 1897, the daughter of Thomas Lyons a farmer/cattle dealer, at Rathmore, Queens Co. (Co. Laois)
Died - 29th October 1928 (aged 31), of pulmonary tuberculoses. Buried 31st Oct. in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
Kathleen Gertrude (Kate) Mc Loughlin
Civil servant, Qualified school teacher.
Died 30th June 1979.
Buried in Deans Grange Cemetery, Dublin.
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JAMES (JIMMY) GREENAN (Jim Greenan and James near Patton St. Garage)
Born - 20th August 1895 in Lurgan Green, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Father - Peter Greenan
Profession - Motor mechanic.
Started out working in the Harland & Wolfe shipyard in Belfast. During the first World War himself and Paddy went to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to work on submarine engines. After the war both returned to Belfast and joined Ned in the Patton St garage. They also setup a bus touring company which ran "charabanc" week-end trips, converting week-day lorries into excursion buses for people in the Falls Road area.
Married - Margaret Wells on 19th August 1936 at St. Matthews Catholic Church, Belfast.
Seven children -
Osmond born 1937
Brendan born 1939
Eugene born 1941
Paul born 1943
Marie born 1945
Joseph born 1947
Noreen born 1948
He suffered numerous strokes in the last few years of his life.
Died - 30th November 1965 of another stroke
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PATRICK (PADDY) GREENAN (Paddy w Nan )
Born - 15th August 1897 in Lurgan Green, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Profession - Motor mechanic.
Originally worked in a garage in Monaghan (where he lost the top of his first three fingers of his right hand in an accident). Later he moved to Belfast working in the Harland & Wolfe shipyard. During the first World War himself and Jimmy went to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to work on submarine engines. After the war both returned to Belfast and joined Ned in the Patton St garage. They also set up a bus touring company which ran "charabanc" week-end trips, converting week-day lorries into excursion buses for people in the Falls Road area.
Paddy was very quite, although became a bit more chatty when he was on his own and had a couple of drinks. He was very devoted to his mother and often on a Sunday, after a late mass and a drink down the pub would take her out for a drive. Fond of the horses like the rest of the brothers.
Died - 9th November 1986 at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, while living at 12 Springfield Rd, Belfast.
Buried - Milltown Cemetery, Belfast.
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ANNIE (NAN) GREENAN
Born - 1900 in Lurgan Green, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Profession - Went to England to be a nurse but never qualified. Secretary for racing board. While in London she lived first at 130 Bedford Hill, Clapham London SW12 and later at 39 Hambalt Road, London SW4. She never married although was proposed to by a Captain in the Canadian Army Engineers called George who wanted her to return to Canada with him. Nan turned him down. (He was younger than her)
Retired to Northern Ireland around 1963/64. Priests house keeper in Green Island (Fr Patton and others).
Died - 15th February 1985 14a Glassillan Grove, Green Island, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, in bed.
Buried - Carrickfergus, Belfast.
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JOSEPH VINCENT GREENAN
(Picture: Betty with children (Left to right) Mary, Brian, and Annette, Joseph and T.P. (Paddy) Greenan)
Born - 1902 in Lurgan Green, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Profession - Went as a boy civil servant to London. He was photographed at funeral of Terrance Mc Sweeny (Mayor of Cork who had died while on hunger strike), arrested and imprisoned and then sent back to Ireland. Went on hunger strike while in prison.
Married - Elizabeth Fitzgerald in 1935.
Four children -
Brian born 1936
Mary born 1938
Annette born 1941
Joseph born 1943
Died - March 1947 of hemorrhage of the stomach, in Richmond hospital Dublin.
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ELIZABETH (LILY) GREENAN
Born - 1st September 1903 at Mooretown, Dromiskin, Co. Louth.
She was proposed to once by a man named Frank, but refused him.
Lily worked as a bookkeeper for James in the Patton St. garage. She left as soon as James announced he was marrying Madge. Because her father had been a Protestant and she never accepted Madge. After that she stayed at home at Springfield Rd. keeping house. Use to take in stray cats, which had free run throughout the house.
Died - 3rd February 1986 at 12 Springfield Rd., Belfast.
Buried - Milltown Cemetery, Belfast.
Cause of death - Heart attack.
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VINCENT GREENAN
Born - 11th April 1909 at Mooretown, Dromiskin, Co. Louth.
Profession - Bookies clerk.
Married - Kathleen Branagh (1920-1990) in 1945.
Four children -
Maura born 1945
Carmel born 1947
Damien born 1950
Ursula born 1954
Died - 28th February 1980 at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
Buried - Milltown Cemetery, Belfast
Kathleen Branagh
Born - 1920
Died – 1990
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October 2007 (((Click on Photos below to enlarge))))