Cannot find the name in the book "Limerick the Rich Land" nor in "The Palatine Families of Ireland". It sure sounds French to me. I do recall staying with a family in Kilrush with a odd name that sounded so French, when I mentioned that to them they said that there had been a large population of French descendents in Ireland that settled around Roscommon. Thats a small lead there. Also, as a point of interest, I've been thru Dundalk many many times. In the north of Ireland they refer to it as El Paso because it is "south of the border" with the north, as El Paso, Mexico is "south of the border" to Americans. Good luck in your search. In a message dated 4/19/2001 7:13:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: > > I am new to the List and would be most grateful for any help I may receive. > My GGGG grandfather and GGG Grandmother immigrated to Australia in about > 1839/41 from Dundalk Co Louth Ireland. Their surname was MOURITZ. The > earliest MOURITZ member to be found so far in Ireland would be about Joseph > MOURITZ d. 1791 aged 61years b. Abt 1730. I have always thought that > MOURITZ was a very unusual Irish name and while investigating came across > the Palatines. So I am hoping someone may be able to help me to discover > if my family are Palatines. > > Regards > Tania >