Welcome to the John John blog
This is a blog designed for descendants, family and friends involved in the stories and journey’s of people found in the diaries of John John Fitzgerald.
These diaries were written between 1884 and 1915, covering his time in Australia, his life at sea in Australia and his return trip to Ireland.
If you would like to comment on the contents of the diaries you are most welcome to, although comments will be vetted prior to them being posted on the blog.
To read a diary that you are interested in please click on the diary and read away!
If you are a family member and you believe you have other diaries or documents worth sharing, please make a comment and someone will follow you up. All comments will be read and addressed, it just may take a few days.
Hi, Very interesting and a great story. I live in Ireland and some of my ancestors are from Rathkeale area of Co Limerick. John John’s brother who came back to Ireland , bought a farm and had a daughter Mary Kate according to JJ’s diary. A Mary Kate Fitzgerald from Askeaton married a Daniel Collins in 1927. He died 1942. Were you able to trace any of their family in Ireland. I’m just curious
Yes. You’re right on the money. Mary Kate and Daniel had one child, Garrett Collins. He died in 2017. Sadly without any marriage or children. Those the line end there. He lived next door to the Meehan Family who inherited his property and effects. They were great friends and supporters of him all his life I understand. He lived on the property all his life I think. The Irish Diaries in 1912 talk about Mary Kate, Michael the brother of John John and his wife Ellen Meade. Warm Regards Greg
We are tracing the history of our great grandfather Michael Fitzgerald who died in South Australia. Are you on Ancestry and if so would you share your tree or is it already public?research@limerick genealogy.com suggested we contact Greg who has the diaries. Thank you
yes I have a rough tree on Ancestry which I don’t maintain. If you ask to access it I think I get an email and will approve. HOWEVER, I suspect there is no connection. Michael Fitzgerald was the older brother of John in my family tree and he returned to Ireland in the 1890’s and married and died in Ireland. Kind Regards Greg