Introducing the Shannon Valley Genetic Genealogy Conference at the That Beats Banagher Festival! We are delighted to have you join us for this exciting event focused on exploring the rich heritage and DNA connections in Ireland, the Midlands, Ireland’s Hidden Heartland, and the Shannon Valley Region.
The Shannon Valley includes communities in West Offaly, East Galway, and North Tipperary
Conference Schedule
Time: 13:00 – 17:30
Venue: Crank House Venue, Banagher, Co. Offaly. R42 DE61
13:00 – 13:45: Genetic Genealogy Ireland (Speaker: Gerard Corcoran)
13:45 – 14:30: Genetic Genealogy Midlands (Speaker: Paul Conroy)
14:30 – 15:15: Genetic Genealogy Connacht (Speaker: Martin Curley)
15:15 – 15:30: Break
15:30 – 16:00: Genetic Genealogy, Munster Clare (Speaker: Paddy Waldron)
16:00 – 16:30 Genetic Genealogy Munster, Cork (Speaker Anne-Marie Coughlan)
16:30 – 17:00: Genetic Genealogy Ulster (Speaker: Martin McDowell)
17:00 – 17:30: Panel Discussion All Speakers
Speakers Profiles
Gerard Corcoran (GC): Genetic Genealogy Ireland
IEEE, ISHG, MGSI, ISOGG
Gerard Corcoran is a passionate advocate of genetic genealogy and the founder of ISOGG Ireland. With a background as a senior executive in global technology. Gerard brings his expertise on the internet and AI to the field of genetic genealogy. He has extensively tested his own DNA with various companies and actively participates in genetic genealogy projects and discussion groups. Gerard’s dedication to Irish genealogy and his involvement in ISOGG Ireland make him a valuable contributor to the field of genetic genealogy.
Paul Conroy (PC): Genetic Genealogy Midlands
ISOGG
Paul Conroy is a co-founder and director of Full Genomes Corporation, a ground-breaking company specializing in direct-to-consumer, next-generation sequencing of the complete Y chromosome. With a background in IT consulting, he has provided strategic advice to top law firms and financial institutions, showcasing his expertise in IT solutions and interoperability. Paul is actively involved in online communities related to genetic genealogy and personal health-related genetic testing, where he shares his knowledge and insights. His contributions to numerous online communities and projects reflect his commitment to advancing the field and empowering individuals to explore their genetic information.
Martin Curley (MC): Genetic Genealogy Connacht
ISOGG
Martin Curley has worked full-time in genealogy and local history research since 2013. A native of east Galway he has lived in New York and Liverpool and there met many whose roots were deep in Ireland. Returning to live in Mountbellew, Co Galway he has worked in schools and community groups delivering workshops, presentations, and Conferences on aspects of local history and genealogy. He has written articles for local papers and journals including on his research into the Galway origins of Joe Biden and Tom Brady. His work on DNA has resulted in a flourishing Facebook presence through his work on researching and reaching out to DNA matches with groups ranging from East Galway Genealogy to Ballygar DNA and pages of local interest such as the Tuam / Mountbellew/ Loughrea Orphan Girls who left from 1848-53 sent from local workhouses to Australia and Canada. He works with individuals and families in researching their connections, analysing DNA matches, and arranging genealogical tours of their ancestral homeplaces.
Paddy Waldron (PW): Genetic Genealogy Munster, Clare
MA, MLitt, PhD, ISOGG
Paddy Waldron is a highly accomplished genealogist with extensive qualifications and experience in the field. He is actively involved in numerous genealogical societies and organizations in Ireland including the Clare Roots Society. Paddy’s interest in genetic genealogy led him to explore the application of DNA data in drawing genealogical inferences. He has given insightful presentations at the Genetic Genealogy Ireland conference and actively contributes to genetic genealogy projects, including co-administering the Clare Roots project.
(AMC): Genetic Genealogy Munster, Cork
Ann Marie is a professional genealogist living in Ireland, experienced in education and management consultancy. She is the admin for the Cork-Ireland DNA Project and her Surname Projects include the Coughlan Surname Project hosted on Family Tree DNA. Ann Marie is a Fellow of Cork Genealogical Society.
Martin McDowell (MMD): Genetic Genealogy Northern Ireland and Ulster
Martin McDowell is a knowledgeable speaker with a background in history and education. His passion for genealogy was rekindled after his first DNA test, and he now actively promotes DNA testing as the education and development officer of the North of Ireland Family History Society. As a member of ISOGG Ireland, Martin contributes to the advancement of genetic genealogy research in the region. He will be presenting the fascinating findings of the Ballycarry and Islandmagee DNA Projects at SVGGC, showcasing his expertise in the field.
