A family history
In Search of
Jenifer's Ancestry
This booklet is an attempt to trace Jenifer's ancestors back as far as I can go. This research started back in the 1980's when most of Jenifer's parents generation was still alive, and a great amount of first hand information was gathered at that time.
Welcome, family.
This site turns Colm's two-volume family history — seven generations, from the 1770s to today — into something you can browse on any device.
Every ancestor Colm traced has their own page. Start from the four family branches below, follow the interactive family tree, see where the family lived on the locations map, or search by name using the icon in the top-right of any page.
Something wrong or missing? Use the Correct this page link at the bottom of any page.
The family at a glance
Seven generations traced — from 1770s Waterford to today
Sue · Clare · Carol
The four family branches
Jenifer's father's father's family
Traced to Joseph Furlong & Clara Lacey, Waterford, late 1700s. Grocers, choir members, priests, soldiers — a family at the centre of Waterford city life for generations.
O'NeillJenifer's father's mother's family
Traced to William O'Neill & Catherine Gaul, Waterford. A baker's family from Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny, who settled in Bonmahon on the Waterford coast.
FanningJenifer's mother's father's family
Traced to Edmund Fanning, Kill St Nicholas, Co. Waterford. Fifteen children, two brothers who died on the same date two years apart, a champion boxer, a GAA president.
KeaneJenifer's mother's mother's family
Traced to John Cane & Margaret Foran, Mountmellick, Co. Laois. The surname evolved from Cain to Cane to Kane to Keane — a family that carried its history in its name.