The First Generation

(Michael McCool & Maria Flanagan)

    Micheal and Maria are the first individuals of this branch of the McCool family who are mentioned in existing records. Consequently, the term-- "the first generation". Other than their names, very little is known about them. Michael was born in the 1780s, married in 1809, became the father of five children and, presumably, died in Donegal sometime in the middle of the 19th century. Maria was his wife and the mother of his children. The McCool homestead was a two-room thatched roof stone structure with an attached shed which was used for the animals. This building, located in the townland of Cullionboy--about 5 miles from Donegal Town--was inhabited until 1967 and, as can be seen in the recent photo, is still standing, minus the thatched roof. What is most important about Michael and Maria is their children, particularly James McCool, who is the central figure in this story.