THE ONGOING JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE FAMILY CARRUCAN
This site tracks the ongoing historical researches of the descendants of the Carrucan family who hailed from the villages of Fanore Beg and Fisherstreet on the shores of the rugged West Coast of County Clare, in Ireland.
It should be viewed in conjunction with an associated online family photo gallery http://pics.carrucan.org.au
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Creator God: We are of
or have been
scattered
from Erin's shores to lands under the Southern Cross, or fringing
Altanta's Main. May we, who are of or are drawn to this line, re-forge
our common bonds. In our rediscovered unity, may we know ourselves as
women and men who have been made new. Inspire us to walk even as Christ
walked, and go on our way in faith and gladness, care and compassion,
healing and love.
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Dirt Poor Spirit Rich
is still
available for purchase
It was way back in the early 1990s that the possibility of a
book on
the Carrucan Clan was first mooted. At that time, far sighted family
members started to capture the memories of the older generations and to
source stories far and wide. Thank goodness this was done for now many
of the key contributers have passed on yet their memories remain with
us in written word and photo.
Our book Dirt
Poor Spirit Rich was finally completed and was launched on
Sunday
26 June 2011 at St Columba's Uniting Church Hall in Balwyn. Over 90
friends
and family were present and the small stock of books was quickly sold.
From now on, books will be sold online via Lulu Publishing Enterprises
in the
United States. Read all about it on our Book
Page
Vale Fr Peter Francis Carrucan (1932 - 2025)
Many of our extended Carrucan family will have known Fr. Peter
Carrucan who died on 27 February 2025, aged 93 years. Fr.
Peter was a proud great grandson of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Woods who
came to Australia in the 1850s and established a strong family line
that now extends into New Zealand and America, amongst other places.
A Pontifical Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Fr. Peter will
be held at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Clifton Hill on
Thursday 13 March 2025, at 10.30am, to be followed by a private burial.
For those who cannot attend, the service will be Live Streamed via link
https://www.vividstream.com.au/live/fr-peter-carrucan.
Full funeral service details area available at https://www.funeral.info/n/w1gptt.
After ordination on 21 July
1962 at St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne, Fr Peter was appointed
as Assistant Priest in the parishes of Melbourne East (1962), Frankston
Parish (1963), Coburg Parish (1965), Maidstone Parish (1966), Dandenong
North (1969) and Kew Parish (1972). Fr. Peter was appointed Parish
Priest of Hadfield Parish in 1975 and then as Parish Priest of Belgrave
Parish from 1982 - 1992, where he shepherded the community amid the
tragedy of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. He was appointed Parish
Priest of St Albans South in 1992 where he served the parish, the
hospital and the wider community until his retirement in 2010,
whereupon he was appointed Pastor Emeritus. He was a steadfast friend
to many refugees and asylum seekers, frequently visiting detention
centres. At the age of 72 he took a sabbatical to walk the Camino,
707km from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela at a time before it was
fashionable. The whole Archdiocese is indebted to his distinguished
service to the Church of Melbourne for over 63 years. May he rest in
peace. Priests' Retirement Foundation.
"Caring for those who cared"
He will be sadly missed by the many people who have benefited from his
unconditional love.
Announcing a new Sweeney Family History
When Patrick, Peter and Bridget Carrucan settled in Eltham in the 1850s, the Sweeney Family of Culla Hill were already one of the leading Irish Catholic families in the area. Many of us Carrucan descendants are also Sweeney descendants, as the two families intermarried quite early on.
My Sweeney cousin Peter Cuffley, a well known author, has finally completed the story of Thomas Sweeney and his descendants and of their connection to Culla Hill, their homestead in Eltham. Details of how to purchase Peter's book are found on http://sweeneyfamily.au/SweeneyBook.shtml. This is a website that Peter and I are putting together, with a view to gathering all the additional information that did not make the final book cut.
I recommend it to our extended Carrucan and Sweeney family.
Vale Helen Mary Carrucan (1946-2024)
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Helen
Mary
Carrucan, who passed away on 6th January 2024. Helen was a great great
granddaughter of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien who migrated from
Ireland in the 1850s and settled in Eltham, Victoria. Daughter
of
Clare and Cornelius Carrucan (both dec) and loved sister of Frank
Carrucan and sister-in-law Kathy, Helen passed peacefully at home, in
the care of her wife of 31 years Sandy Anderson and surrounded by
family.
Much loved and proud mother of Danni, Peter (dec), Kathy,
Susie, Greg, Chrissie and loved step-mother of Jason and Karissa.
Mother-in-law of Bill, Geoff, Shaz and Luke. Loving Grandma to Krystal,
Billy, Peter, Josh, Zoe, Tara, Taylah, Trent, Jack, Bella, Chelsea,
Henry, Liam, Cam, Taz and Hannah.
Delighted Great Gram to Penelope.
Read more at Vale Helen Mary Carrucan 1946-2024.pdf.
Vale Anthony Robert Carrucan (1961-2023)
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Anthony Robert Carrucan, who passed away on 24th November 2023. Anthony was a great great grandson of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Woods who migrated from Ireland in the 1850s and settled in Eltham, Victoria. Eldest son of Patricia Carrucan and Robert (dec), brother of Bernadette, Maryanne, Robert (Robbie) and Claire, and loved father of Cain. Anthony will be fondly remembered for his humour, wit and guidance, for his support during difficult times, for his laughter, theories on life, trips to the cinema, rides on the back of a Harley, underaged driving lessons and really good coffee. He was a committed apiarist who would talk about his connection with his bees.
The death notice can be found at https://notices.nzherald.co.nz/nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/name/anthony-carrucan-obituary?id=53724584.
Vale Ann (Nancy) Carrucan née McNamara (1931-2023)
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Ann (Nancy) Carrucan née McNamara who passed away on Sunday 16th July 2023, aged 91. Nancy was the wife of the late Jimmy Carrucan and mother of Anna, Breada, Noela, Patsy, Mary, Kathleen and Eileen. She died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in Fanore Beg, Fanore, Co. Clare. The funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Church, Fanore, on Thursday 20th July at 12 noon followed by burial at Craggagh Cemetery, Fanore.
The death notice at https://rip.ie/death-notice/nancy-carucan-clare-523918 contains a link to the funeral mass video.
Some wonderful new videos from Kieran Magee
Kieran Magee has produced some wonderful videos that focus on
the
family of Frank and Thelma Carrucan and their forebears.
Kieran is a great great grandson of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Wood and
Frank and Thelma were his grandparents. You can access the videos at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSr3eV_AgVHk3L7ee8VNjPmtVofHjQeM.
The list reads as follows
1. Carrucan History Introduction
2. Journey from Ireland
3. Peter and Hannah Carrucan
4. Michael and Maggie Carrucan's Story
5. Tom Carrucan Story
6. Mona Madge and Kathleen Carrucan Story
7. Leo Carrucan Story
8. The Fuel and Produce Business story
9. The will and the court case story
10. Frank and Thelma Carrucan Video Chapter
11. Family Life at Adeny Avenue story
12. Moya Carrucan story
13. Brian Carrucan
14. Gavin Carrucan
15. Peter Carrucan Chapter
16. Ann Carrucan Video Chapter
17. Estelle Carrucan Chapter
18. Conclusion to this chapter of Carrucan history
This is a fantastic addition to our family history.
Vale Estelle Carmel Simpson (1935-2022)
It is with great sadness
that we report the death of Estelle Carmel Simpson (nee Carrucan) who
passed away 17th March 2022, aged 86. Estelle was the youngest of 6
children born to Francis William Carrucan and Thelma Eileen Stoney, and
was a grandaughter of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Woods. The funeral was
held at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, in Ocean Grove, on
Friday 25th March 2022, with her brother Fr Peter Carrucan, officiating.
We offer our sincere sympathies to her husband John and their children
Anne, Peter, Fiona and Cathy and their families.
Rest in peace Estelle.
A memorial page for Estelle has been setup at https://kings.etributes.com.au/etributes/estelle-simpson/
Vale Mary Therese Holden (1937-2021)
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Mary Therese Holden nee Carrucan, a great granddaughter of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Woods. Mary was born on 29 April 1938, the only daughter of Leo and Mary Carrucan, and died peacefully on 26 August 2021, aged 83 years. We reach out with sincere sympathy to her husband Tom, children Andrew, Janet and Meaghan, daughter in law Emer and grand children Matthew, Paul, Joseph, Jessey and Glyn.
A memorial page for Mary has been setup at https://tobinbrothers.com.au/tribute/details/21458/Mary-Therese-Holden/obituary.html.
Vale Lois Margaret Erickson (1946-2020)
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Lois Margaret Erickson, the wife of Tim Erickson who is a great grandson of Patrick Carrucan. Lois lost her 5 year battle with cancer on the morning of Thursday 13th August 2020. She died at home with her husband Tim and son Paul beside her. We reach out with sincere sympathy to Tim and sons David, Chris, Paul and Matthew, grandchildren Oliver and and Annika, as well as to Lois's siblings Neil and Beverley.
A memorial page for Lois has been setup at http://erickson.id.au/erickson/Lois.shtml.
Vale James Peter (Jim) McMahon (1920 - 2017)
Sadly, we lost our last third
generation
link to the early Carrucan settlers, when James Peter (Jim) McMahon of
Kinglake died on 4th August 2017, aged 97. A grandson of original
settlers Peter and Hannah Carrucan, Jim had lived all his life in
Kinglake, north of Melbourne. His mother Margaret (Mattie) Carrucan was
the second youngest of 10 children born to Peter and Hannah. Jim and
wife Bess
were farmers. Jim is survived by Bess, along with their 6 children
James, Noelene, Josephine, Anthony, Peter and Michael, along with 17
grand children and 8 great grand children.
The funeral was held in St Mary's Catholic Church, Whittlesea, on
Friday 11th August 2017, followed by burial at the Yan Yean Cemetery,
Whittlesea.
Jim and Bess in 2016 (photo http://benetasheroes.com.au/hero/jim-beth-mcmahon/)
Frank Carrucan paints the Guy Mannering
The U.S. ship Guy Mannering
plied many routes between 1849, when it was commissioned, and 1866,
when it was wrecked off island of Iona on the NW Scottish coast. Of
particular interest for us is the 1857 journey from Liverpool to
Melbourne, a journey of just over 90 days. Patrick Carrucan, with his
bride Mary and his younger brother Peter, were amongst the 402
passengers.
Frank Carrucan has finished his own oil painting of the Guy Mannering,
and it is pretty good if I say so myself. Well done Frank - you are a
man of many talents.
For more info about the Guy Mannering, see http://erickson.id.au/carrucan/documents/Guy%20Mannering.pdf.
Frank Carrucan's new books
Frank Carrucan of Ballarat, one of the Editorial Committee who produced our own Dirt Poor Spirit Rich family history book, has had, over the last few years, three of his own books published via Amazon and they are great reads. They can be purchased in both book and kindle format and I enjoyed them immensely. To read further or to order your copy, check out Frank's New Books
A new Carrucan related book
I missed the publication of book 'Escape to Eltham' which was published in 2013 by Georgina (Gina) Allen. It traces the family of John and Anna Lane who lived in Shanagolden in County Limerick during the early and middle parts of the 1800s. The book follows the movements of their son, Richard, and daughter, Anne, who migrated to Australia. Richard's son, Patrick Lane, married a young Bridget Carrucan and settled in Victoria. When the global recession of the 1890s decimated Patrick's businesses, he headed to the arid Western Australian goldfields to 'make his fortune'. The large family followed and settled in Boulder. A strong line of Allens (and related families) now lives in Western Australia.
I have bought a copy and it is a great read and another
wonderful Carrucan resource. You can order it online at http://www.lulu.com/shop/georgina-allen/escape-to-eltham/paperback/product-21084373.html.
Vale Betty Lee Speakman (1923-2016)
Mary Ellen Manley of Delaware has advised us of the passing of her aunt Betty Speakman nee Millman, the wife of the late John Daniel (Jack) Speakman (who was a great grandson of Michael Carrucan and Mary Droney and a grandson of their daughter Ellen Carrucan who emigrated to Delaware, USA, in the 1880s).
It’s with a saddened heart, that I must inform you of the passing of our loving aunt Betty (Millman) Speakman. Aunt Betty was the wife of Jack Speakman (who passed away some years ago), son of Mary Speakman, my grandmother. Aunt Betty was 92 years of age and raised nine children with Uncle Jack. During her high school years, she was a cheerleader! I guess that’s what helped during all those years with the kids keeping them in line! When the Speakman Clan would get together for parties, everyone would bring covered dishes. I still remember to this day – Aunt Betty’s homemade baked beans – they were the best! No one can or has ever made them as good as her! While raising my cousins, she was also involved as a Boy Scout Leader, Past President of Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality, Charter Member of the Delaware Chapter of Catholic Daughters of America. She and Uncle Jack were long time members of Corpus Christi Church (probably built the church when you think about it). When we were young, our family lived in the same neighborhood as Aunt Betty and Uncle Jack, so we saw each other very often, since we were right around the corner. All of the cousins (Uncle Jack’s family, Uncle Bud’s family, Aunt Nanny’s family and my family) would celebrate birthdays and holidays together. Oh, the memories!
Aunt
Betty’s joy was the time she spent with her grandchildren and
great-grandchildren – oh the smile on her face was priceless!
These are just a few of my personal thoughts about Aunt Betty that I
wanted to share with everyone. As you can see, she will be
missed
by her children, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-children. Aunt
Betty led a full life and gave to so many!
Vale Timothy Jesse Speakman (1961 - 2016)
It is with sadness that I
report the death
of Timothy Jesse Speakman who was a great great grandson of Michael
Carrucan and Mary Droney and a great grandson of their daughter Ellen
Carrucan who emigrated to Delaware, USA, in the 1880s. Timmy was born
on 25th September 1961 and had lived his life in Wilmington, Delaware.
He died on Sunday 3rd April 2016, aged 54 years.His cousin Mary Ellen
Manley wrote
Everyone who ever met Timmy loved him! His personality, his love for people of all walks of life was overwhelming! It didn’t matter who or what you did for a living, Timmy treated everyone the same! Timmy was Timmy to everyone! He loved life! And Life loved him! He will be missed by so many people! His voice, his laugh, his smile – the world lost a piece of laughter on April 3rd!
He is united now with his Mom & Dad and his wife Candida and all of our relatives! We can imagine the stories that are being told and the laughs too! We have another Guardian Angel watching over us all! Go in peace dear cousin and rock on!
Vale Margaret Helen Hammond (1936-2016)
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Margaret Helen Hammond (nee Clements) who passed away 12th September 2016, aged 80. Margaret was a daughter of William Espin Clements and Kathleen Carrucan and was the eldest of the five Clements children. She is fondly remembered by her sons Roderick and Lawrence. She was a part pioneer of visiting Fanore, with her two sisters Mary and Kathleen, back in 1985 and was a great grandaughter of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Woods.
Vale John "Jay" Pollinger (1926 - 2013)
John Michael "Jay" Pollinger
Sr.
peacefully passed away on 8 June 8 2013, aged 87, with his loving
family by his side. Jay graduated from Salesianum High School in 1944,
and shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Army during World War II. He
proudly served as an artillery sergeant in the "Battle of the Bulge".
He married Elizabeth Speakman (a great grand daughter of Peter Carrucan
and Hannah Woods) in June 1949 and together they raised five children
while enjoying 62 years of marriage prior to her passing in July of
2011. Jay and Betty were part of the large extended Carrucan family
living in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. He is survived by his children
John M. Pollinger, Jr. (Gail), Christopher Pollinger, Deborah Buckels
(Jeffrey), Mary Ellen Manley (John) and Lisa Ciminello; his 13
grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Vale Mary Clements (1937 - 2013)
Mary Therese Clements, the second eldest of the 5 children born to Kathleen Carrucan and William Espin Clements, passed away on 4 May 2013, aged 75. A large family funeral was held in East Malvern. Mary and her sisters Margaret and Kathleen were the first Australian family members to visit Fanore in Ireland in 1965. Mary was a great great grand daughter of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Woods.
Vale Joseph Patrick (Joe) Carrucan (1928-2012)
Joe Carrucan, the second eldest of the 13 children born to Thomas Michael Carrucan and Agnes Connelly in New Zealand, died peacefully with his family around him on 11 August 2012, aged 84 years. To his wife Pat and to his children Michael, Maree, Stephen, Joanne, Peter and Angela and their families, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vale Michael Carrucan (1919-2012)
Michael Carrucan died peacefully at his home in Ballyconree Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland, on Thursday 10 May 2012. After a funeral mass at St.John the Baptist Church, he was buried Bishopsquarters cemetery. To his children Michael, Bernadette and Christine and their families, we offer our thoughts and prayers.Patrick John (Paddy) Carrucan (1967-2012)
Patrick John (Paddy) Carrucan
passed away
in Mooroolbark, Australia on 17 February 2012, aged only 44 years. To
his wife Fiona and to his children Daniel and Brayden and to his mother
Eileen, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Vale Fr Myles Patrick Smith (1935 - 2011)
Reverend Father Myles Patrick (Pat), former Parish Priest of the Texas Parish and former Christian Brother, died 9 September 2011 in Toowoomba, Queensland. Born 1935 in Kew, he entered he entered the Christian Brothers’ Juniorate in 1949, aged 14. Thus started his 62 years of active service for the Catholic Church in Australia.
Vale Betty Pollinger (1928-2011)
Sadly I must report the death of Elizabeth Patricia (Betty) Pollinger nee Speakman who passed away peacefully on Sunday 3 July 2011 surrounded by her family after many long, courageous battles with illnesses. Betty was a great grandchild of Michael Carrucan and Mary Droney and a granddaughter of their daughter Ellen Carrucan who emigrated to Delaware, USA, in the 1880s. Betty had lived her life in Wilmington, Delaware. We pass on our sincere condolences to her husband John Michael Pollinger, to their 5 children, John Michael Jr, Christopher James, Deborah Ann, Mary Ellen and Lisa Marie and their respective partners and to their many grand children.
Vale Betty PollingerVale Jim Martin (1927-2011)
It is with great personal
sadness that I
must advise family members that Jim Martin, the driving light behind
our Carrucan genealogical work, died at home on the morning of
Wednesday 13 April 2011 after a
number of years battling serious health issues. Jim was never one to
complain or let increasing frailties get in his way. I used to go over
regularly to work with him on planning for our Carrucan book
publication so was aware of what a struggle life had become for him.
Indeed, I think it was the book that kept him going for as long as he
did and he remained fully committed to it right to the end.