This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: David_Whitmarsh Surnames: Durkin, Dunkin, Duncan, Walsh, Foy, Cummings Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.durkin/80.201/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Your mention of the Durkin name in County Mayo caught my attention. The oldest recorded ancestor on my father's side in Ireland is a Walter Durkin who lived in "Watchertown" County Mayo and married the daughter (no name) of a Mr. Cummings. They had 10 sons, John, Charles, Patrick, Owen, Thomas, Peter, James, Michael and ??, and two daughtes; Mary "Polly" and "Mrs. Riordn". The name seems to have changed to Duncan (Dunkin) thereafter and the family, or a branch of it (John), moved to Drunganaugh (5 miles East of Castlebar and a few miles South of Ballyvary on the Manulla Road - not far from Keelogues). The family remained there for a generation, then began immigrating to the US in 1830, and more in 1847. Other family names in Drunganagh are: Foy, Walsh, Cummings (from, Mehena Prish, Killikenduff, Ireland). I would be interested in any comments you may have to offer and if any of the names or places match any of your ancestral knowledge (related or not). I do not know where "Watchertown" was or if that may have been a local name for another town or perhaps the name has changed or the town no longer exitst. Sincerely, Dave Whitmarsh Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.