I am trying to trace my SHANNON (sometimes spelt SHANAN) family history pre-1900. This was the year in which my Grandfather, Farrell SHANNON, was discharged from the Royal Irish Constabulary, having enlisted in 1875 at the age of 19 years. Between 1875 and 1900 Farrell Shannon served in Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon. He was a Roman Catholic and by 1900 had become a widower. He married again in 1900 to Eleanor Charlotte GRAY in Westport, County Mayo. I have plenty of information about that particular Gray family but almost nothing about the Shannons pre-1900. We believe that Farrell SHANNON was a native of County Cavan, and that his father was Robert SHANNON. Nothing else is known about either of them. Where did Farrell live between 1855-56 and 1900? Did he have any brothers or sisters? Where was the family home where Robert is said to have been a farmer? Who was Farrells' first wife? Did they have any children? What became of her family? According to the R.I.C. Service Record Farrell had family connections in Leitrim, Donegal and Galway. This search could take some time! Incidentally, many thanks to Jim Herlihy for the information from the R.I.C. Service Record. Jim is an expert on R.I.C. history and his book "The Royal Irish Constabulary, A Short History and Genealogical Guide" is highly recommended (contact Four Courts Press, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8). I would like to hear from or about SHANNONS in any of the counties mentioned above. Best Wishes to All for 2002. John Williams. johnwilliams@aberaerongallery.co.uk