11 Church St.

Elton,

Bury

Lancashire

17^th Feb ’21

Dear Rev. Father,

I have been making researches about the family of Father James O’Quigley who was hanged at Penningdon Heath Maidstone Co. of Kent June 7^th 1798. Father O’Quigley’s people belonged to Co. Armagh his father along with 2 other brothers coming from Derry in the middle of the 18^th century, one of the brothers settling at Killylea five miles from Armagh and the third going to Co. Louth, settling at Castleroche in that county. Father O’Quigley was born at Kilmore, 7 miles north of Armagh and was baptised by Father Laverty P.P. of that Parish in 1761, the sponsors being J Harkey and Jane (?) O’Donnelly. He was confirmed by Dr. Lacy then Bishop of Ossary and was educated at the College of Longobard, Paris during the time of Dr. Baptist Walsh. He was ordained in the parochial church of St. Anne’s Dungannon in January 1784 and afterwards officiated Dundalk for three years. When he received letters of recommendation to Very rev. Father Charles O’Neill then President of the College of Longobard where he intended to continue his studies.

In view of the above particulars, having much confirmation about his family from his collateral descendants at Armagh. I shall be pleased if you will make particulars from the Parish Priest and Curate at Roche Co Louth and other gentlemen learned in historical matters if they will look up the parish registers concerning the O’Quigleys of Roche. I believe there is an old man of this family living now at Roche and enquiries through him will be useful. I have got much exclusive information from his descendants at Armagh and as soon as I complete my researches I’ll give the work to the publishers. I got good help from a Dr. Wm. Warren of Dundalk whose Grandfather was in the United Irishmen in Dundalk.

Father W. Gonne C.C. Armagh and a dear friend of mine Very Rev. Canon Brady P.P. Keady Co Armagh assisted me.

Some members of the Co Louth Arch Society may be able to help. Father O’Quigleys mother (O’Donnelly) was grand daughter of Donal O’Donnelly M.P. for Strabane in King James Parliament of 1689, and his greatgrandfather was the maker of the boom at Fort Culmore to prevent relief coming to Derry in 1689. His ancestor one Sean O’Donnelly married to daughter of Red Hugh O’Neill was O’Neill’s right hand man. His family through the O’Donnellys was related to Sir Neal O’Neill who was killed at the Battle of the Boyne.

Dewring (?) that you shall assist me in this undertaking.