Years ago I resigned myself to the fact that I would never knew much about my paternal grandfather, Bill McCormack. He died of a massive heart attack in 1957 and so much sadness surrounded this event and its implications, that people rarely spoke of him. I understood why this was so, but at the same time I wanted to know what kind of man was my grandfather. I had a couple of reasons for my curiosity: 1) I never had a grandpa and I felt like I was really missing out, and 2) I loved to ask questions and get to the bottom of things (What, are you writing a book or something? is the question my dad frequently asks me.)
My dad has thoroughly researched the family tree, and several years ago, he learned that his first-generation Irish American father had visited Ireland as a young man in the 1930s. My grandpa’s first cousin Paddy McCormack (of Rathdowney, County Laois) was a boy at the time and recalled the visit. This intrigued me and of course I had a bunch of questions that no one could answer. By default, my imagination took over and I created a dramatic tale surrounding my grandpa’s return to his father’s birthplace in Ireland.
Last month while in Ireland, my dad and I were chatting with Michael Kelly (see previous post). One of the first things out of Michael’s mouth that afternoon was, “The day my mother received word that Bill McCormack had passed away was a sad day indeed…” I had heard such sentiments over the years, but what made this different was what followed.
Michael went on to say that when my grandfather came to Ireland in 1934, his mother (and Bill’s first cousin) Katie Loughman showed my grandfather all around the area and introduced him to neighbors and relatives. Stories of horse races and touring, nights out and singing – it sounded like they had a fabulous time and Katie and Bill became great friends. Katie also corresponded with Bill’s sister Nellie for many years.
I was thrilled to hear Michael tell the stories of my grandfather’s Irish visit. For the first time I could associate joy, humor, and fun with my grandfather – things I always suspected about him, but I was unable to get past the sorrow of his untimely death.
My grandpa Bill McCormack, great-uncles Jimmy Flannery and Jim McCormack, early 1940s
Thanks for the stories, Michael Kelly. I am that much closer to learning about my grandfather.
Next time, guest blogger Jim with his observations on family history and his recent trip to Ireland.
The Irish in America 
January 5, 2016 at 4:20 am
Dear Aine.
I wonder if you are able to help me. My father is from Laois and used to go to school with a Michael Kelly. We all live in England now but I went back to dad’s brothers funeral in Errill, Laois last year, Michael met my dad again and just last week sent a short story to my dad of his fond memories of how their friendship started (after my father defended Michael against a school bully).
I’m trying to find contact details for Michael to contact him again about my dad. IF you are able to ask Michael Kelly if he is the same man who knows my dad, John Purcell (known to Michael as Johnny Purcell) I would really appreciate you asking him if I can email him.
I wanted to tell Michael of what my dad did when he left his native land for employment elsewhere, of how he still played his beloved hurling (winning many medals and even getting on British TV) and worked hard to provide for his wife and children.
Any help you can offer will be very much appreciated.
Kind regards.
Asil Purcell
January 21, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Asil – I apologize for the delay in replying to your comment. I don’t have Michael Kelly’s email, but let me see what I can do. Thanks for getting in touch! – Aine