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From Miami to Moville
22.12.09
Americans' delight at
tracing family roots
by Linda McGrory
A man from Miami has described the joy of tracing
his family roots to Inishowen and his delight at
finding "great pizza" in Moville.
Hal Marshall who lives on Miami Shores in Florida,
recently visited the peninsula with a number of
relatives to learn more about their family history
and the country of their forebears.
While here, they met up with their relations Paddy
and Eileen Barr from Greencastle who helped them
extend the branches of their local family tree.
"Although my grandmother Grace Barr never actually
set foot in Ireland, her parents emigrated from
Moville and Greencastle, and my grandmother shared
her love of Ireland with us," said Hal. "So, it was
with great joy and anticipation that we visited
County Donegal this year." Hal learned that Paddy
and Eileen live on the land where Grace’s father,
John Barr, was raised. |
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"Paddy and his family
were so gracious to us. It was one of life’s
highlights to shake their hands and gaze into their
eyes, knowing the connection we share.
"Young cousin Charlie enthusiastically toured us
around the property, pointing out the horses,
chasing the sheep and, overall, just charming us."
And while seeking the nourishment of family ties,
Hal and his relatives were further delighted to
discover a culinary treat in Moville. "We greatly
enjoyed our stay in the old Coast Guard Station in
Moville, as well as the great pizza and live music
at Rosato’s," he said.
"We also shared a dinner at the Town Clock
restaurant and a few days later, we were invited for
a visit to the Barrs' home." Hal contacted
InishowenNews.com as a way of saying thank you to
the Barrs and everyone who made their visit to the
peninsula so special.
"I want to thank everyone for their hospitality and
warmth. All of us were thrilled to meet our
relatives and we all knew that if distance didn’t
separate us so, we would be thick as thieves.
The emerald green fields and blue waters will be in
my head forever," he said. |
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