Leitrim-Roscommon

My great grandfather was Andrew Beirne baptised 6 September 1841 in Kilmore Parish, County Roscommon. His parents were Matthew Beirne and Sarah (Sally) Burke. Sarah was born c. 1810. The sponsors to the baptism were Bridget Burke and Thomas Regan. Thomas Regan was from Cornasleehan. One record shows Matthew Beirne living in Rathevin, others suggest Carrowmore. These townlands are very near to Dangan. Matthew died in Ireland between 1847 and 1864. Andrew Beirne immigrated to America in 1860. His mother, Sarah Burke Beirne, immigrated some time later and made her home with her son in Uxbridge, Ma., later in Millville/Blackstone, Ma. Andrew's uncle, Patrick Beirne, immigrated with his wife Ellen and daughters, Bridget and Ellen also to the Uxbridge area in 1868. Patrick's son, John Beirne, immigrated in 1864. Family lore has it the name was originally O'Beirne in Ireland. In America the name Beirne was changed to Burns. Andrew Burns, in America, made his living as a wholesale/retail liquor dealer. I would suspect my family to be kin to the Andrew Beirne who immigrated to Virginia earlier since they seem to have come from the same area.....If anyone has information about my family I would be pleased to hear from them. I do not know if there is still family living in Kilmore Parish. I would also like to be in contact with anyone researching the Kilmore Parish of County Roscommon. Many thanks.

Hi, Jeannine,
I too have Beirnes who became Burns in the U.S. Mine -- John and Bridget Kenny Burns from in or around Elphin -- settled in Hampton, CT, and eventually their youngest son married the oldest daughter of my Rileys from Kilglass, who also lived in Hampton.
You asked about Kilmore history. I suggest you consider joining the Ballykilcline Society, which has gathered some Kilmore history from various sources. For instance, we listed some Kilmore men who were in the military in one of our newsletters; the records came from an on-line database www.nationalarchives.gov.uk. They included info about a William Regan and a Michael Burns. The Society is interested in the history of that whole area.
Mary Lee Dunn