21/04/2026
Our Grandfather John S Murray filled out his first census form in April 1926 and the photograph beneath must have been taken around the same time. Jamesie the eldest was a couple of weeks short of his ninth birthday, Michael 8, Maura 6, Tony 5, Phelim 3, Emmet 2, and baby Paddy was five months old at the time. Our Grandmother’s birthplace was Magherafelt Co Derry but for whatever reason that was not included. George Murray 18 the shop assistant whose father was dead may have been a relative. A lot had happened to John S and Susan in the ten years since they got married and bought the shop in Knockcroghery, not least the awful night in June 1921 when their home was one of the few buildings to escape being burnt down by the Black and Tans. They had been blessed with seven healthy children and would go on to have three more children Malachy, Sue and Ollie. Happy Birthday to our amazing Auntie Sue who I’m sure is being spoiled by all in Castlebar as she celebrates her 95th birthday today.
