Here goes!! My maternal grandfather was named Martin Connors. He married Honoria Benson - they lived in Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. They were of good stock but the Connors people lost everything through gambling and drinking. They ended up in the workhouse - a terrible place to be. Death came early in that place. Martin had a brother, Patrick, who moved to New York and changed his name to Patrick O'Connor. Another brother was called Rody (short for??!!) who stayed in Ireland. Martin and Honoria had 8 children, my Mother Mary Anne who emigrated to England and had me, my sisters Eileen and Anne and my brothers Joseph and Peter. Her siblings were Nora, Bridie, Josie, Margaret (Peg), Phil, Patrick and William. Nora, Bridie and Josie were all recuited at the tender ages of 14 and 15 by the religious orders. Since their IQ's were so high, they all did leave Ireland at the ages of 16 or 17 and emigrated to America. Peg, Paddy and Phil emigrated to England. Bill stayed in Ireland and still lives in our cottage in Borrisoleigh -- my Mother was born there as was I since she left England for a period of time while my Dad was away during World War 11. I hope this is not all too boring for anyone to read. I will try to make it short. My grandfather chose to fight with England during World War 1 and was very nadly wounded. Upon returning to Eire, he was dubbed a traitor for fighting alongside the British - he had to go on the run and changed his name to Martin Ryan. That was for several years -- he was eventually able to return to his home and family and took again his name of Martin Connors. I hear he was a mean man and a drunk (being mean only because he was a drinker). That is all for now. If anyone wants to hear more, I can so do. Thanks. Teresa