Just got an exciting email from a Sheppard cousin in Ireland!

I just want to let you know that not all the Sheppards emigrated. Many of us remained. In fact, we're having a Sheppard family gathering this weekend in Tipperary, just a few short miles from CastleSheppard. CastleSheppard was the home of William Sheppard, the younger brother of Thomas Sheppard.

This weekend gathering coincides with the 100th anniversary of my great-grandfather James Sheppard. We are all there to unveil a memorial to him. Incidentally, my uncle and father are attending it, their names are John and James Sheppard (seems the first names go back to Thomas' sons)

Given the passage of time, (we're into centuries rather than years now), I don't know how many times we're removed, but I just thought you might like to know that there is a thriving Sheppard population still here in Ireland. I myself am hoping to get my research online, so I will post a link to the Sheppard website when I get it up and running.

best wishes

Barry Sheppard