Emily’s Father William John Burke made a choice that changed the course of his destiny and that of his family’s forever. The decision that he made in 1843 not only impacted on his life at the time but for that of his descendants for a generations.

Born about 1805 in the Kinvara area of Co Galway, to wealthy landowner, John Burke and his wife, William John was one of at least three children. Accounted for is his older brother Patrick and one sister. There were possibly more children in his family, but it is impossible to say exactly how many because the amount of records available for early Nineteenth century Ireland are scant.

Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara. Hometown to William John Burke