Dear Karl Sorry to be so long getting back to you. I've had a look at the Galwy Birds in Griffiths 1855. The surname BIRD is a anglicisation of HEANY or HENAGHAN,both of which are also found in Galway,so hopefully you will find yours as Bird,or the search will be endless. There are not too many possible candidates. 1)Patrick Bird, a major landholder/businessman in Tuam. He farms 60+ acres and leases out 30+ houses in Halfstraddle,Tuam.He also has other business holdings in the town. 2)Pat + james- Ballydotia,belclare 3)James- Cappagh,Dunmore 4) Walter- Carrowkeel,Dunmore 5)James-townparks,Kilcloony 6)Michael + Mark -Parkgarve + Pollsillagh,Kilmoylan 7)Mary-Loughrea 8)Mary + Edward - St.Nicholas (galway city) 9)Michael- Cartronroe-Tuam 10)Pat- Corralea west Tuam 11) Michael + Mary -Townparks 5,Tuam Have you checked the British marriage indexes yet? That should be your first option.You will get his father's name,if they married in England. You aslo need to know which religion. Cathy