Hello List, My name is Janine, and I am in Wangaratta, North East Victoria, Australia. I am hoping there is some kind soul on the list who comes from; knows of or lives near or in; Bridgetown, South East Clare. As I am interested in finding out more about the area and if there is an historical society connected with the area or even a local historian with whom I could make contact. My 3rd Great grandparents were married there during 1829, they were Michael and Mary Cleary. Mary's maiden name was Nash her father was James and her mother also Mary maiden name Dynon. Michael and Mary had 6 children Patrick b1830 Bridget b1833 My GGGrandmother Ann b183? Mary b183? Sarah b183? Margaret b1846 Ann arrived in Australia First on the "Statesman" in 1853, she was then followed by Bridget and Sarah on the "Epsom" in 1855 and finally Margaret, Patrick and their mother Mary in 1857, traveling with them was Ellen Nash Mary's niece, they arrived on the Jessie Munn. As we can find no entry for daughter Mary that fits the right time and age frame we feel she and her father Michael may have died between 1850 and 1857 while still in Ireland. When Mary Cleary arrived in Australia she was recorded as a widow and at the time of her death in 1886 aged 84, and according to her death certificate Ann, Mary and Sarah had all pre-deceased her. Both Ann and Sarah married in Australia. These are but a few of my clan who braved the unknown to come to Australia. Maybe Just maybe someone will recognize names and or dates it would be fantastic to make contact. Hope to hear from someone soon Janine