LIFE IN LIMERICK

With some earlier ancestors – especially pre-census and civil registration – you count yourself lucky to find their name and the odd baptism or burial. But when they’re tradespeople, there’s a decent chance you’ll unearth something more, like a directory listing or a mention in the local paper.

So that’s my plan of action for today – trade directories, news reports and random internet hits. Let’s see if my 3x great-grandfather Joseph Riboldi puts in an appearance anywhere…

Now, Limerick archives has four directory listings for a Joseph Riboldi in the city between 1812 and 1840. But they only give his name, address and the nature of the business – looking glass maker, then carver and gilder – and I’m not