The McIlrath Letters – from New Zealand to Ireland

Product Description

The McIlrath Letters – from New Zealand to Ireland

Book 8¼” x 8 ¼”, 144 pages

This book was published by the Killyleagh Branch of the North of Ireland Family History Society.  It was launched on 8th December 2009, 149 years to the day after the McIlrath brothers set sail for a new life on the other side of the world. The book has been put together by John Bassett over the course of 20 years.

The book contains 64 letters that the McIlrath brothers sent to their family home near Balloo, Killinchy, from Australia and New Zealand over 55 years.

The McIlrath family carefully preserved the 64 letters. The letters chart the progress and achievements of the McIlrath brothers, as well as personal events, marriages, births, illness and deaths. The relaxed, familiar style gives these letters an immediacy not to be found in history books. They bring their lives and troubles very close to the reader despite the 150 year gap. Descendants of the family still live in the house which James and Hamilton left behind.

The writers also make frequent reference to other emigrants from the local area whom they meet in their new home, and passing on news and greetings. It makes the book a valuable resource for local historians and genealogists.

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