Bridget McMahon
Born approximately 1810. She was the wife of Anthony Cleary of Illaun, Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland. On her death certificate she was described as "farmer's wife". She died on 31 October 1895 at Illaun.
Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre advised that there is an estimated 30% of baptisms not found in baptismal records so that it is possible that couples may have had more children than is shown in available records. However the Centre located the following baptismal records for children of Anthony and Bridget :
Peter Cleary (b. 1838)
Honor Cleary (b. 1840)
John Cleary (b. 1843)
Elizabeth Cleary (b. 1845)
Francis Cleary (b. 1848)
Michael Cleary (b. 1851)
photograph provided by Denise Ritter,
(of New South Wales, Australia) who is
great grand-daughter of Bridget.
Life was very difficult in Ireland in the mid 19th century. Five of the six known children, including both daughters, emigrated and settled in the Australian colonies of Victoria and New South Wales. Bridget was unknown to the majority of her grandchildren. For some, she was known only by the above photograph.
