A Journey Back to Ireland in July 2024

A journey back to Ireland, July 2024

Thanks to some old photos and letters, and the generous assistance of Frances Holohan, Abbey Heritage, I finally found my way back to Abbey after a gap of 55 Years!

My last visit, as a child of 11 in 1969, has always provoked the sharpest of images and memories, and a longing to return.  Travelling with my mother Barbara, and my grandmother Agnes née Abberton, was quite an adventure.  We stayed with Tommie and Maureen Abberton at the family farm in Abbey, and we also spent a lot of time with Father Patrick Abberton.

Upon my return this past July, fond memories of my time in Abbey came vividly alive.  The moment we arrived in town, the Church was the first landmark I noticed, bringing back the memory of serving Mass with Father Patrick.  I remember Maureen, securing the bells, as I believe she was not at all sure I would ring them at the appropriate time!!  The abbey, the holy well, and of course Holohan’s were also achingly familiar, even after this long time away.

Seeing the farm again, and visiting with Maureen, brought my time there in 1969 back to life.  The barns, the fields, the old tractor, and the time we spent together with Maureen and Tommie brought back many memories and the stories I could tell of that summer visit in 1969.

I believe Maureen was surprised to hear all that she taught me during that visit I had with her, Tommie and baby Martina.  Milking the cows, bringing the cans to the top of the drive for pick up, exploring the barns and fields, the bull in the field (restrained with the well cover) a little scary! pigs, chickens and all that goes along with the farm.  And quite an exciting event, Father Pat teaching me to drive a car through those fields.  These are the stuff of dreams, for a young boy of 11!

Returning this past July we had such a warm welcome, the spiritual heart of our journey.  It is difficult to express, the feeling of family and deep connection to a place and time.  What comes to mind is peace and thankfulness.  Frances and John Holohan, such gracious hosts, inviting us for tea and sharing a wealth of information about the community and their own family.  The expression of pleasant welcome also extended by the Abberton family of Abbey, hosting a lovely dinner for us.

My grandmother Agnes’ father Michael Abberton, was born in County Galway in 1867,  son of Patt Abberton and Mary Mannion.  He emigrated to America in 1881 on the ship Austrian arriving in Boston to join his brother Patrick.  He married Catherine Smyth of Mohill, County Leitrum in 1889, and they settled in Lowell, Massachusetts, according to the 1900 census.

A brother, Patrick born in County Galway in 1856, emigrated to America in 1874, arriving in Boston and settling in West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

A second brother, James born in County Galway in 1865, emigrated to America in 1887, arriving in Boston and settling in West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

A third brother, Thomas born in Abbey, County Galway on December 27th, 1870 remained in Ireland.

The family roots run deep in Abbey, but somehow the actual family connection to Tommie Abberton at the farm is elusive, tracing back, we believe to our Great, Great Grandfathers.  We are still on an investigative geneaology journey and have confidence we will ultimately be able to piece it together.
We are cherishing the time we spent on our trip and are looking forward to traveling back soon.  Posted are some photos, past and present.  Thank you to all for the warmest welcome.

Thomas Madden