More DNA fun...a Galvin Match

When first working on the family tree, I talked to Ma about her relatives.  One of the things that Ma told me was that her grandfather, John G. O'Connell, used G as his middle initial because Galvin was his mother's maiden name.

Courtesy of Kathy Finn

Along with that information, she shared info about the the Maurice Gallivan/Galvin family.  Ma said that Maurice was John G. O'Connell's uncle. Maurice and his family also immigrated to the USA.  They first lived in Mendota, Dakota, Minnesota.  They later moved to St. Paul.

One of Maurice's daughters (see right)  lived in Derrynane township, as did John G. O'Connell.  Kate Galvin O'Leary was buried in the cemetery of the Church of St. Thomas, Derrynane.

A family that was "related", but not clearly stated how, was the family of Kate Galvin Maloney.  Ma and Lucille both remember this family visiting.  I think I told the story before about Ma thinking about Kate's kids' names.  One daughter was Mary.  She was called Ray.  Ma said she wondered what Thomas' nickname would be.  Contact with one of the relatives clarified  that Mary's name was Mary Rachel--and probably the source of the nickname.  Anyway, research showed that Kate Galvin Maloney was the child of Thomas Gallivan/Galvin and Margaret (Peg) O'Leary.   At the time of the baptisms' of several of their children, it was recorded that they lived in Glouria, Ballydonohue, Kerry.

Sheila Allen Healy, Galvin descendant

Now, the DNA match.  When in Ireland recently, I visited Sheila Allen Healy and she gave up some spit for the sake of the family tree.  We have been in contact since about 1998 when we first met her after visiting the Galey Cemetery.  We met 2 workers there that pointed us her way.  Sheila's mother is Catherine Galvin, daughter of Thomas Galvin (son of Thomas and Peg) and Margaret Long.

As it turns out, Kate Galvin Maloney is Sheila's great aunt.

When the DNA came back on 23and me, my dad matched Sheila on 7 segments and was predicted to be her 2nd to 3rd cousin.  If it is worked out on paper, it is more likely that they are 3rd cousins twice removed.

I was beginning to wonder if the Galvin info was accurate.  How could I have doubted Ma? She was correct as usual. Another recent match on 23andMe also shows a Galvin match.

Now, how to find John G.'s mother's name? Can't find a record with a Galvin-O'Connell marriage or baptism that fits!