Hi Maureen -- Below is a website with extracts from Griffith's Valuation in Ireland. While there were a few Thomas Ryans and a couple Bridget Ryans enumerated in Co. Carlow, I think your best clue might be found in what could be considered a much less common name -"Simon Ryan." There was one Simon Ryan listed living in Co. Carlow, Carlow Town, in Carlow parish. Resource for Griffith's Valuation http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths.php I suppost, that Simon's given name might even be a "surname in disguise." You often see this is well-to-do families, where a male child's unusual given first or middle name reflects a surname important to the family such as his mother's maiden name. You might want to read up on Simon as a given name and Simon as a surname. Or possibly, there were other Simon Ryans in earlier generations. From: "Ryan, Maureen" <Maureen.Ryan@caterallen.co.uk> To: <IRISH-IN-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Subject: [UK-Irish] RYAN...THOMAS, born Carlow Date: Thursday, October 20, 2005 2:36 PM Can anyone out there help me please, I am looking for the parish !!! where my Great Grandfather was born. RYAN Thomas. Born 1851, Carlow, parish not known Parents, Simon and Bridget he emigrated to UK, year not known <snip>