This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: AnnetteCode Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.ireland.lex.general/2808.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I've never done so much reading online about horse racing in Ireland and its history. The 1920's is when I thought Cornelius may have been at his height in racing. What type of horse racing appears to be a question before looking further. There are photo's of the 1920's horse racing scene at the National Library of Dublin's catalogue and you can make the pics bigger but didn't see any named Riordan. There are lots of webpages about horse racing in general and its history, books are available through a variety of websites but books are better seen in person to judge the content. You asked about family. In the 1901 Census and 1911 Census there are Cornelius Riordans of the right ages but most were from Cork, 1 Antrim, Kerry and Wexford. The Heath operated as famous racing stable by Charles Blake who came from Mayo, in 1920, 1931, 1938 Col. A.J.Blake was the leading trainer. The Heath as a place name was changed officially to Portlaois. The Blake family no longer own the property. The Heath is still used. There must be Newspapers that would have information in their archives and although I tried a few, the only Cornelius Riordan was charged with theft - Nick Reddan's Newspaper extract www.irishxpat.com is about horseracing perhaps you could contact them about where to look for Archives. There maybe a special place they are kept. www.goracing.ie (Cornelius is a common first name in Cork but not elsewhere) Annette Code The Heath is mentioned as a townland in the Griffith Valuation as being in Tipperary N. Riding, Union of Thurles, Parish of Thurles. The south of Queen's/Laois borders Tipperary N. www.familysearch.org has births and marriages from 1864 to the 1950's none of the Cornelius Riordan's born in 1898 appear to be from Queens/Laois another source: A Foundation of Irish Genealogy Offices. There are 6 Cornelius Riordan's born between 194 and 1902, Cork 1898, Offaly 1898; also Kerry 1896, 1894 & 1902 Cork. After marrying Kathleen in 1930 did they have children, if so what are their names. This may help identify parents. www.familysearch.org: There is a marriage of a Cornelius Reardon (sp) registered Jan-March, 1930 Mountmellick, Queen's/Laois #Vol3 Pg.321,#4199368 (a marriage record should contain his father and wife's father's name) This maybe a child Mary Riordan(sp)registered birth Jul-Sept 1930 mo: Keeshan Vol.3, Pg. 235 #4195646 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.