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Christopher Eccles: Some of my ancestors came from the town of Coole in County Clare. Their name was Dooley. Do you know any Dooley's?

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Yes. I live in Mountshannon, East Clare, on the shore of Lough Derg. There are loads of Dooley here. They must be an original family in the parts. If you like, I can give you the email of my friend Audrey, as she is a Dooley, and she might be able to help you. We are about 45 miles from Coole, so your people may be a different branch.

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Christopher Eccles: My great-grandmother on my father's side of the family was named Emily Dooley. She died in childbirth in Minnesota when my Dad's father was born. Emily was one of ten sisters who emigrated to America. Emily stayed in America. Her nine sisters went back to Ireland.

Emily Dooley's father was a school teacher in Coole. He married Bridgette Fitzgerald at the Catholic church north of Gort. My wife and I visited the remains of that church in May 2004. The roof is gone but the walls and graveyard are still there.

I found a grave of a Dooley from Coole in the graveyard. There was an empty bottle of whiskey by the head of the gravestone. Just like the Finnegan's Wake song.

I don't want to bother Audrey Dooley. But thanks for the offer.

Tim McGraw

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