Dave Bates's Blog (1)

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…