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Ireland. sponsors at baptisms

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Elliot

Elliot Report 9 Apr 2010 19:29

Hi
I was wondering if there were any traditions for choosing sponsors for children being baptised.
I have a lot of sponsors for children born in Limerick in Ireland. 19th century
I just wondered if they chose sponsors in the same way as they had patterns for naming chidlren
Thanks for any help

Kay????

Kay???? Report 9 Apr 2010 19:36

Hi Lesley

I have some RC and they usually have been a family member

Teresa With Irish Blood in Me Veins

Teresa With Irish Blood in Me Veins Report 9 Apr 2010 20:38

Both of my Grandparents were Irish, from Dublin, and RC but the names of the Sponsors on Baptism records & Certificates I have....and I have quite a lot.....most are a complete mystery!

However the marriage certificates do seem to have relatives as Witnesses which helps..if you know which of their female siblings were married too!

.

Elliot

Elliot Report 10 Apr 2010 07:01

Thank you for your replies,
I have recently got the sponors for 7 children and although some of them are sponsored by the same surname as the children (so am guessing uncles and Aunts or cousins) There are some random names.
I would have thought that they would be very particular in those days as there surely was more chance of you dying and Godparents/sponsors were meant to be the ones who looked after your children in the event of this happening
Oh well
Thanks anyway
Lesley