WITH KARLEE TWINER
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Each month, we choose a member’s request for research help, and our genealogy expert Karlee Twiner offers insight that might help dismantle their brick wall.
This month’s request comes from member David Gillespie, who is seeking one of his ancestors, Ann Sweeney Annagary.
QUESTION:
I would be most grateful if you could help me find my biological grandmother whose name is Ann Sweeney. This is her maiden name, therefore she could be married and have a different surname. The birth day I have for her is 21st September 1942 and she was from Annagary (Anagaire) in County Donegal in Ireland.
We have hit a brick wall in finding her, as there seems to be no record of her. I’m not sure if she provided the wrong birth date or maybe her birth wasn’t recorded.
I have attached the information that we have on her and my biological grandfather.
I would be most great full for any help you can provide.
Kind Regards,
David
ANSWER:
Hi, David!
It can be really frustrating to run into brick walls. You probably do have the right information for her, or at least generally correct.
The reason you can’t find any information on her is because of privacy laws. Ireland has a 100-year limit on releasing birth records to help keep people’s information safe. You may be able to request them but that might require a trip to Ireland. I’ve included the dates available online to search. I wish I could help you more.
Do you have a tough question for Karlee? Send your request with the subject line Ask the Heritage Help Desk to stories@byancestry.com, and yours could be chosen for next month’s column.
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