Friday 9 November 2012

Two new members for APGI


The Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland (APGI), Ireland's only accreditation body for professionals, has announced that it has two new members: Michael Walsh and Tony Hennessy (l-r in photo).

Neither lives in Dublin, thus helping the geographical spread of the association's members across the island.

Michael Walsh is based near Westport, Co. Mayo. He was born to an Irish mother from South Armagh and a second generation Irish father whose family moved from Kilrush in Co. Clare to Blackburn, Lancashire. Michael was born and brought up in Lancashire. After graduating from University College London with a degree in economics and politics, Michael enjoyed a career in information technology, working for several large British and American companies in senior project management roles. Now retired from full-time work, he has more time to devote to his passion for genealogy. His special interest lies in tracing Irish families who have settled in North America and Great Britain.

Tony Hennessy has been involved in the world of genealogy in various guises since 1986. While living in Dublin he studied genealogy in University College Dublin (1994-95) and subsequently ran a successful genealogy practice for some years under the name Irish Origins. Afterwards he returned to his native Waterford where he and his wife raised their family. In 2008 he returned to genealogy and established his new business, Waterford Origins. He also runs a very popular evening class in genealogy at Waterford College of Further Education which is now in its fourth season. Tony carries out genealogical research for all counties, but with a special interest in his home county.

APGI now has a record 31 members.