These are all from prints. Many have descriptions on the back, which I have transcribed.
The captions on the prints of JFF were written by Bridget (“Bridie”) Doyle, sister of Mary Margaret Doyle FitzGerald, JFF’s aunt. After his parents emigrated to NYC, Bridie helped her parents raise JFF. She would write captions on the backs of the prints she sent to her sister and brother-in-law. Some of the captions include anecdotes.
Mary Doyle, aunt of James Doyle, great grand aunt of JFF. This might have been taken in NYC, because there is a notation on the back that she is buried in Calvary Cemetery, NYC. Image 98.1_P_BW_FFT.
James “Jack” Doyle (d. c. 1939), when he was a boy scout. James “Jack” Doyle is the son of James Doyle and uncle of JFF, Limerick. Date unknown. Image 97.1_P_BW_FFT.
James “Jack” Doyle (d. c. 1939), approximately 18 years old. James Doyle is the son of James Doyle and uncle of JFF, Limerick. Date unknown. Image 97.2_P_BW_FFT.
James Doyle, father of James “Jack” Doyle, Mary Margaret Doyle FitzGerald and grandfather of JFF, Limerick. Date unknown. Image 97.3_P_BW_FFT.
Mary Margaret Doyle FitzGerald, daughter of James Doyle, mother of JFF, Limerick. Date unknown. Image 104.6_P_BW_FFT.
JFF, Limerick, 1937. This is long-time family lore: my father’s uncle James “Jack” Doyle came back from fighting in Spain and brought “souveniers” for my father, including (per Conor, thank you for the correction) the artillery shell fuze he is holding upright. The fuze would have been “somewhat” inert, at least compared to a grenade. Of course the inevitable happened…JFF hit the fuze with a hammer or rock as he sat next to it. Caption: “This is Frank (his family nick name to distinguish him from all the other James’) with a bomb in his hand before it exploded. Jack (James Doyle) had to run to Barrington Hospital with him.” Image 104.1_P_BW_FFT.
JFF, after returning from the hospital with a concussion and broken leg. Caption: “Oho my head. Connemara, Co. Galway, August 1st, 1937.” Image 104.3_P_BW_FFT.
JFF, Limerick. 1937. Caption: “Here I am with my pockets bulging.” Image 108.1_P_BW_FFT.
JFF, Limerick. 1937. Caption: “Master Jim with one of his Uncle John’s (word illegible).” Image 108.2_P_BW_FFT.
JFF, Limerick. c.1936-7. Image 104.2_P_BW_FFT.
JFF, Limerick. c.1942. 104.5_P_BW_FFT.
JFF, Limerick. c.1944. Image 104.4_P_BW_FFT.
negativepositiveproject 
Hello Sioban,
Great photos. Mary Margaret Doyle Fitzgerald is a first cousin of my father James Real. His father, my grandfather, was also called James Real. Ellen Rael, a sister of my grandfather, married James Doyle and one of their children was Mary Margaret Doyle. The other Doyles you mention are from the same family. Your James Francis Fitzgerald (son of Mary Margaret) is therefore my second cousin.
I would be delighted to share more detail with you, if you would like to get in touch.
Regards,
Gerard.
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Hello Gerard,
I’m so happy you found the site. We do not have much information on the Raels/Reals, so very much appreciate your writing. My brother Conor, has done an extensive amount of geneology on the various families and very interested in what you might be able to tell him about the Raels/Reals.
I also have hundreds more photos, and some are from Limerick. I’ve been stalled on the project for several months because my father had a fall, my daughter was applying to schools, amongst other things. My father is well and happy now.
I also decided to look for a good scanner to upload the remaining negatives, slides and prints to help move the project along. There are multiple odd-sized negatives, so finding a scanner that could handle everything was challenging — there’s only one! I’ve ordered it, so barring other distractions, I will be uploading more photos this summer.
We can most definitely fill you in on Mary Margaret Doyle, her siblings, etc. He’s got all the dates, etc. and I have the photo’s.
If there are photo’s or family information you would be willing to share on the site, I would love to post any and all.
I’m not seeing your email in your post (it probably hides it for your privacy). If you’d prefer to email me, vs. talk on the blog, here is my address:
negposproj@icloud.com
Warm regards,
Sioban
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