That's my grandmother (aged 8 in 1901), with, in the photo on the left, her parents: Brian Feeney (50 in 1910), shepherd, of Corbally, Cummer, Margaret Feeney (40 in 1901), and Thomas Feeney (12 in 1901). This studio photo was probably from 1897. The second photo, from around 1914, shows my grandmother (centre), with her brother, Thomas, and (probably) her sister Honoria
This is the 1901 census for the household. There are a few apparent discrepancies when when one compares it with the 1911 return, when Brian (Bernard) was 61, and Honor only 48. Brian's occupation had evolved to 'Farmer + shepherd', reflecting the land reform that followed the Wyndham Act of 1903. In the later form, too, Brian declared 'Cannot read' and consistent with that declaration, he signed the form with an X, which was witnessed by a policeman. (Members of the Royal Irish Constabulary acted as census enumerators)
This tells us what my great-grandfather was up to on 15 August, 1909.
From Tuam Herald, 21 August 1909
From Tuam Herald, 21 August 1909
This excerpt from an article in the Connacht Tribune, 30 October 1920, describes a raid by Auxiliaries on the Feeney household in Corbally. My grandmother, who was about 26 at the time, often told the story of the raid. Apparently, the family rosary was in progress when the Auxies arrived in the village, and she took a risk in concealing a pistol belonging to her brother, Thomas, who was O/C of the Corofin brigade of the IRA.
But life went on, and six months later, 15-year-old Michael, the youngest of the household, won first prize for an essay about his Easter holidays. (Sunday Independent, 10 April 1921)