Late O Mahony Society Council Member and skilled genealogist Nora Hickey had shared some valuable traditional genealogy tips:

1. Begin with FAMILY.  Speak to all relatives, regardless of age, and verify the stories you hear, as the information may vary Are there any recollections of visitors from Ireland or letters received from there?

2. EXPLORE all available family photographs and documents, including wills, leases, and family Bibles. You might uncover unexpected clues about locations through family poems, songs, or stories. Photographs can also reveal clothing styles that may indicate specific regions.

3. IDENTIFY any siblings of your emigrant who may have entered religious life. Look into the archives of their order or diocese to determine if a baptismal certificate still exists.

4. If you consult a genealogist, provide them with exact copies of your documents instead of your interpretations. There may be significant clues in the that you've overlooked.

5. THINK CREATIVELY. "If it appears too easy, it probably isn't!"

Nora also left us an insightful article about tracing the O Mahonys in the diaspora. This easy-to-read PDF is definitely worth your time. Find it here.