as far back as we can go? Bryan Dempsey

 

Martin Dempsey's marriage certificate in 1873 at age 30 listed his father as Brian Dempsey of Cloonreliagh. So, he is possibly born 1843.

Bernard dies 1871, age 45. Likely born 1826. Thomas dies 1902 at age 80 (these are always guesses in those times), so possibly born 1822.

Are these three brothers? Is Martin the youngest? And Bryan the father?

The image above is baptism cert from Nov 13, 1849 (from Finola):

First part is very hard to read:

"???  of ?? & Bd Dempsey"  

The second part, though, could be key:

"sps Bryan and Bridget Dempsey. Recd at Cloonreliagh"

 

So, in 1849, there is a Bryan and Bridget Dempsey in Cloonreliagh, likely Martin's parents.

Martin's marriage 1873:

They have a son Bernard:

Nov 4th 1874; Bernard; father is Martin Dempsy, mother Sarah Dempsey Jennings of Cloonfad.

We've seen this before where the marriage cert says 'Celia', but the name that is used is 'Sarah' (strange!)

And a daughter Bridget, 1879:

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1879/02903/2063556.pdf