DNA - Ged Match
Our DNA Genealogy initiative helps individuals around the world reconnect with their Bournea ancestors. Through our Gedmatch DNA Ancestor Project, private Facebook discussion group, monthly meetings, and community collaboration, we work together to uncover shared heritage and build links between families across generations.
About the Bournea DNA Ancestor Project
We operate a dedicated Gedmatch DNA Ancestor Project supported by a private Facebook Discussion Group. Members share their DNA results, compare matches, and collaborate to identify common ancestors.
What makes our project unique is our monthly Bournea Reaching Out Historical Society meeting, usually held on the first Tuesday of each month.
At each meeting, our DNA group has a standing agenda item where we present new members’ DNA results. This gives participants the chance to speak with local Bournea residents - many with living memories of families and townlands that can offer valuable insight.
Whether you live locally or across the world, you are welcome to take part.
How DNA Helps with Genealogy
DNA is the genetic blueprint of every person. In genealogy, DNA testing can:
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Confirm family relationships
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Reveal previously unknown ancestors
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Help identify shared matches
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Support or extend traditional research
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Connect you with living relatives
Combining DNA results with parish records, gravestone inscriptions, and local knowledge provides a powerful toolkit for family research.
Types of DNA Tests
There are three main types of genealogy DNA tests:
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Autosomal DNA
Inherited from both parents; the most common and versatile test. -
mtDNA (Mitochondrial DNA)
Passed from mother to child; traces maternal ancestry. -
Y-DNA
Passed from father to son; traces the paternal line (not available to women).
Where to Get a DNA Test?
The four major companies offering DNA testing are:
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Ancestry DNA – largest database, excellent for family history
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MyHeritage DNA – affordable and widely accessible
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23andMe – includes basic health information and relative matching
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FamilyTreeDNA – the only company offering dedicated Y-DNA testing
Each company provides instructions on how to download your raw DNA results for upload to Gedmatch.
What Is Gedmatch and Why Join It?
Gedmatch.com is a free online platform that allows you to upload DNA results from any testing company. It offers powerful tools for finding relatives, exploring shared ancestry, and analysing DNA segments.
It also hosts Ancestor Projects, which help groups of people with shared heritage connect more easily. Our Bournea Gedmatch Ancestor Project was established in 2022 to support descendants of families from Bournea Parish and the Barony of Ikerrin.
Joining the project enables:
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Access to community support
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Comparison with other Bournea descendants
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Assistance from local members
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Monthly updates and presentations
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Participation in our private Facebook group
How to Join the Bournea DNA Project
If you have already taken a DNA test:
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Download your raw DNA file from your testing company
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Create an account on Gedmatch.com
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Upload your raw DNA file and wait for your kit number (up to 48 hours)
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Go to Ancestor Projects & search for “Bournea”
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Click JOIN and answer the three short questions:
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What Gedmatch kit number(s) would you like to add?
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What surnames are in your Bournea ancestry?
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Do you agree to join and participate in the private Facebook Discussion Group?
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After joining, you can request access to our private Facebook group via the link on the Gedmatch project page.
Monthly Meetings & Community Support
We meet monthly - usually on the first Tuesday of each month- at Lismackin Hall. Members can attend in person or via Zoom. Meeting notices and Zoom links are shared in the private Facebook group.
This collaborative environment allows members to:
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Share discoveries
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Receive insights from local historians
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Compare DNA matches
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Rebuild family connections across generations
Connect With the Bournea DNA Community
We run a private Bournea Reaching Out Gedmatch Discussion Group on Facebook with over 80 members worldwide who share ancestral connections to the Parish of Bournea.
In this group, members exchange DNA insights, compare matches, and help one another uncover family links across generations. Click below to join the community once you have joined the Gedmatch Ancestor Project: Bournea Reaching Out Gedmatch Discussion Group
