Dear List Members: Here is a question for everybody. I am sitting here in Hobart after 18 months of family history research - & lots of fun - wondering how far back it is possible to get in Ireland. With definite records, I mean. So far my earliest record (from a 1868 death certificate in the state of Victoria, Australia) says that the deceased Bridget COLLINS FLANNERY was 80 years old and born in County Clare. It also names her parents Michael COLLINS and Bridget DONNELLAN. So they must have both been born after 1760 and before 1780 or so. So far as a place is concerned the earliest record I have is an entry in the baptism register of the parish of Quin, County Clare for Michael GARVEY in 1828. Now that should not be too hard to beat. I am just curious because I haven't met anyone else who has definite records as early as this. Do tell. Or is this a question we should not ask? -- M.M. Brandl Hobart - Tasmania - Australia marmarbrandl@trump.net.au