DNA and what it can tell you

Last year, I was approached online through my Gedmatch account by two people who I share DNA with. Both of them have roots in Cavan. I have no Cavan roots that I am aware of. 

Last week, I saw a new match on Gedmatch. It was at 3.7 generations. In DNA terms, that is pretty good, it means we probably share 2nd great grandparents. I shot off an email to the woman and yesterday she responded. She shares my 2nd great grandparent with me. They are my County Laois family, the O'Çonnells, Tallants, and Morans. This is the part of my family I thought most likely came from Cavan since Laois is a lot closer to Cavan than Kerry. 

To prove this, I did a one to one kit test on Gedmatch between both of the people who are related to me. They are not related to each other and the chromosome on which our matching DNA is located is not the same either. 

That blew that theory all to heck but it did show me that I might be able to isolate the chromosome for certain names in my genealogy. I will be working on this for the immediate future. If I come to any conclusions, I will let you know. 

In the mean time, I am again realizing that things are often not the way you would think they should be in genealogy and making assumptions is never a wise thing to do. 

When DNA Surprises You

This is going to be a personal post that may just resonate with others who have had a DNA test or are considering it.

I had my Mito DNA done about 7 years ago. It showed that I am a C1 which is Native American. This was interesting from a genealogy perspective since it proved that my ancestress Francoise Olivier was at least partially Native American. 

What I wasn't prepared to feel was the loss of my European ethnicity. I know I am 99% European and yet my Mito said I was a Native American. It was emotionally disturbing. It made me question what I think I know about myself. 

I got over it but now I have had Autosomal DNA done and I am making connections with others who share DNA with me. My Irish ancestors that I know are from Kerry and Laois, this is proven. However, so far I have connected with two people at 4th cousin who are from Cavan. I have to try to figure out which of my ancestors could possibly have been from Cavan. 

What is really amazing is that I am going to Cavan in September and we are spending our 4th night in the town of Virginia Cavan where one of the people I am connected with has her roots. How strange is that? 

I am now thinking that it most likely must be Johanna O'Connor who is from Cavan. I think I will have to look for more connection who match me on the O'Connor line and see if I find more Cavan ancestors. Since two of my good friends have Cavan roots I am not unhappy to perhaps be a Cavan girl. 

What I am trying to tell you is be open to hearing what your DNA is going to tell you It may not be what you want to hear but as far as I know, DNA doesn't lie!!