Ballinora and the Irish Cousins

You have all heard about my “ cousin adoption”by the Kelleher family of Coolea/ Cork ? Our local friend in common,Joe Kelly of Coolea, was sure we must be related based on his knowledge of the families of the area. Now, 10 years after their “adoption”,DNA tests show we are, in fact cousins.
It’s been an eye opening experience to learn how many people here never lost hope they would eventually reconnect with their relatives who left Ireland as refugees .

On Friday night , we had a lovely evening celebrating and enjoying a meal hosted by Keara with about 20 members of the family.

In a few minutes, Darina is picking us up for a visit to her country home in nearby Ballinora where she and Keara and family grew up ; we love the cousin’s tours.
Keara , local historian extraordinaire, previewed her amazing new tour of the area with us. And Darina hosted a tour of her incredible country garden, made a lovely buffet and we celebrated her birthday too.Read more