Hi, I'm Mary Katherine Doran, fifth child and only daughter of Robert Lawrence Doran, III and Jean Suzanne Doran. I was born in Los Angeles California, which is where I grew up. I have four older brothers, Michael, Timothy, Thomas and Patrick (he was born on St. Patrick’s Day). I am writing this in memory of my father, who I miss and love very much. Here is our story.
My father was a very proud man, the kind of person you either loved with all your heart or hated with your entire mind. There was no middle of the road with him. He was the kind of man who, stood behind you if you were challenged, right or wrong, stood if he loved you. He was very proud of his Irish heritage. Our family is originally from County Cork; my grandmother was a Gharrity.
Our family is probably best known as traditional antiquarians who kept in their possession from generation to generation one of the three manuscript copies of the “Tripartite Life of St. Patrick". Originally one of the Seven Septs of Leix, whose leading members were transplanted to Kerry in 1609. The educated people of Ireland were run out by the English, who stole their land, taxed them into poverty, and to this day have a crushing, killing grip on Ireland. It's a shame.
My grandfather was Myron (Mikey) John Doran. He was a quite man, who earned a law degree, and passed the Bar but never practiced as a lawyer. I remember him very fondly, as he taught me about the stars, planets and space. He was married to Julia Gharrity, who had a son previous to my father, who was also named Robert who died in infancy, from what I know not. They had another son, much younger than my father, my Uncle, Michael Jack Doran. After Bob and Jack, they had twin daughters, Salle and Anne.
My interest in learning my lineage is solely a curiosity on my part, and as well, a deep and earnest love of family. My Aunts and Uncles on both sides have never really been close to my family. I love them so, even as they go by my life without a word.
I have been told that my father was a rogue, got into trouble quite a bit and had been married before marrying my mother and that I have a half sister somewhere. It would be interesting to meet her, although she probably has a serious grudge against my dad. I do know that my father loved my mother more than the world. They were soulmates.
That's all for now, more to follow.
MKD
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The Robert L. Doran Home Page, Dedicated to My Father