I HAVE MANY PEOPLE to thank: those who helped me in my research, in writing and finally in publishing this book.
From the day I started, I had the backing and encouragement of Jimmy Deenihan, Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, and Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee. Jimmy has been deeply committed to all Famine research and publications. He would of course have a particular interest in telling the story of the ancestors of his neighbours and community in Kerry.
The idea for the book was planted during my time studying History of Family and Genealogical Methods at the University of Limerick, with Dr David Butler and Lorna Moloney. The enthusiasm of my classmates there was an inspiration to pursue further research. In particular, Martina Flynn read chapters, criticised and suggested improvements and provided sympathy when needed.
John Pierse and Michael Guerin, mentioned in my Introduction, were the original sources of information on the Famine era in North Kerry. Practical help in accessing the four Board of Guardian Minute books at the Kerry County Archives was provided by Michael Lynch, County Archivist. The National Library was a valuable resource. Further advice and help came from my friends in the Institute of Technology Tralee. Mary Cogan (Listowel Connection) was always there with a wise ear and a sympathetic word when times got difficult. Presbyteries in Dingle, Listowel, Kenmare, Killarney and Ballylongford provided generous co-operation.
I could not have completed the Australian chapters without the help of Julie and Glynn Evans, Sydney, Noni Rush, Newcastle and Gayle Dowling of Melbourne. I was lucky enough to be able to read the contemporary account of the Dingle & Listowel girls’ voyage on the Thomas Arbuthnot and their subsequent trek through New South Wales to Yass, in the Charles Edward Strutt Journal, October 1849–May 1850, held in the Manuscripts Collection of the State Library of Victoria.
When I finished the book and wondered what to do next, Bridget Kennelly was most helpful and informative. This leads me to Beth Amphlett, my editor at The History Press Ireland, a calm professional who took the work to its publication.
My husband Arthur, whose eyes glaze over when he hears a mention of ‘Kerry orphans’, deserves thanks for his patience in accompanying me to presbyteries, graveyards, schools and anywhere in the kingdom that might throw light on the background of my subjects.
Finally, to my daughter-in-law Carol Baxter who set me off originally down this path of genealogy and history, a grateful thanks.