Dolla history talk on dna research

The lecture on 'How DNA testing can assist you in your family tree research' will be delivered by DNA expert, Dr Maurice Gleeson.
Dr Gleeson, who was born in Dublin and whose great grandfather founded the Ballinahinch/Killoscully GAA club in 1886, is a member of the society and also a valued contributor to the annual SHS journal 'Mining the Past'. His article, 'Finding Ruby', in the latest edition now on sale, has won much acclaim.
According to Dr Gleeson, genealogy is fast becoming one of the most popular hobbies in Ireland. “It already is in the US, and tons of American visitors visit Ireland every year in search of their ancestral homeland and their distant Irish cousins. The pull of the craic is mighty,” he said.
However, he pointed out, many people hit a huge brick wall in their family tree research as soon as they get to the early 1800s. “The fire in the Public Records Office in 1922 destroyed centuries of Irish records including eight decades of census information that would have helped many people extend their family tree well into the 1700s, and would have reunited many Irish-American visitors with their Irish roots.”
But there is good news on the horizon, according to Dr Gleeson. “In the last few years, more and more people are turning to DNA testing to help them break through some of these brick walls, and it is beginning to bear fruit,” he said.
The lecture, which begins at 8pm and which is open to everyone, will describe the three main types of DNA testing and will also address the question of which DNA test is best for you. In addition, he will discuss how various surname projects are shedding light on the origins of specific Irish surnames - Gleeson,Kennedy, Ryan - names that are encountered most frequently in North Tipperary. The next five to ten years, he said, will see DNA connecting many people with ancient Irish genealogies, allowing some people to make a direct genetic connection back to the dawn of Irish surnames.
Dr Gleeson will have 200 DNA kits with him, courtesy of Family Tree DNA, who are offering them at discounted prices to attendees. “So come along and get your cheeks swabbed! When was the last time you had an offer like that?” he quipped.
The talk commences at 8pm in the Eagle’s Nest, Dolla on Monday March 9th. Dr Gleeson will be there prior to that time for anyone wishing to discuss DNA testing. After the talk there will be a question & answer session and the usual cup of tea.