Corbally- Corrbhaile

Corbally is a rural townland situated in the civil parish of Moycullen, County Galway, in the west of Ireland. Nestled within a landscape of rolling fields, lakes, and stone walls, Corbally is part of the traditional Gaeltacht area, where the Irish language and heritage remain strong. Historically agricultural, the townland reflects the broader history of rural Galway, with close-knit communities, family-run farms, and a deep-rooted connection to land and tradition.

Griffith’s Valuation

The Griffith’s Valuation entry for Corbally is notably concise, reflecting a sparsely populated or consolidated landholding. There only occupier listed is Anthony O’Flaherty, who holds the land “in fee,” indicating full ownership as he was the landlord. The property comprises offices and land, water, covering 64 acres, 3 roods, and 12 perches, with a total valuation of £22 0s 0d—£21 attributed to the land and £1 to the buildings. The reference to “offices” suggests the presence of outbuildings or farm structures rather than a domestic residence, which, combined with the large size of the holding, points to a functioning estate or working farm.

1901 Census

Kyne

Peter Kyne, a 42-year-old farmer from Corbally, Slieveneena, Galway, headed a household of seven. His wife, Ellen, aged 34, helped manage the household and farm. The Kyne family had six children: Bridget (10), Sabina (9), John (8), Margaret (6), Ellen (4), and Peter (age not stated). The children were scholars, with the exception of the youngest Peter, who could not read. While most of the family members were literate and spoke both Irish and English, the youngest daughter, Ellen, was listed as unable to read and spoke only English. The family was Roman Catholic, and all members were unmarried except for Peter and Ellen, who were married.

Conneely/Collins

Michael Conneely, a 29-year-old railway milesman from Corbally, Slieveneena, Galway, headed a small household. He was Roman Catholic, literate, and spoke both Irish and English. His sister, 32-year-old Sarah Collins, lived with him as the housekeeper. Sarah was also Roman Catholic, read and wrote, and spoke both Irish and English. Sarah’s children, 13-year-old Louisa and 11-year-old Leo, were scholars. Louisa, who was born in America, and Leo, also born in America, were both literate and spoke Irish and English. Despite being relatively young, they were attending school at the time of the census.

1911 Census

Kyne

Headed by 35-year-old farmer Tim Kyne. He lived with his 31-year-old wife Sarah and their infant son John. Both Tim and Sarah were Roman Catholic, literate, and bilingual in Irish and English. They had been married for two years, with one child born and one child living.

Connor

Headed by 39-year-old Patrick Connor, a railway labourer, and his 33-year-old wife Winnie. Both were Roman Catholic, literate, and spoke Irish and English. They had been married for 12 years and had five children, all of whom were still living. Their eldest sons, Rodger (10) and Peter (9), were scholars who could read and write, while their younger children—Mary (5), Patrick (3), and William (2)—were too young to read. The household reflects a typical rural working-class family of the time, with strong ties to both education and the Irish language.