Page 7 - O Mahony Journal 2025

Genetic Genealogy Simplified (somewhat)
Compiled from the notes of the late John W. Mahoney, Genetic Genealogy Project Administrator
by Linda McConnell Baker, OMS Website Administrator, with incomparable assistance from Mary Ann Mahoney

Some will remember the genealogy lecture we heard at the June 2023 Gathering.
John W. Mahoney (affectionately nicknamed John Albany due to the prevalence of
the given name in our clan and his California residence) was a remarkable public
speaker who, in a best-of-the-best moment, chose to share information on this
complex subject matter in a clear, concise, relatable form. We do not have his
hand-drawn graphics from the flip chart he used, but thanks to his wife Mary Ann,
we have his treasured notes.

We also know that John researched material thoroughly. He was acutely aware
that the scope of genetic genealogy is broad and continually evolving as data and
the body of knowledge expands. I remember John referring to the need to “absorb
[this information] in pieces.” His various notes shared by Mary Ann support this
approach, as the five or six files she forwarded were topical in their unique but
related information. To that end, the reader may want to “absorb it in pieces.”

Those who knew John will hear his voice in the following passages, as well as remember his quick wit and gentle
humor. For all, there is an easy appreciation of his knowledge, his enthusiasm, and his ability to share information
to the benefit of all.

John also had a gift for framing his subject matter, and his segues from topic to topic were flawless. A man of faith,
John immediately established a perspective that balanced science and faithfulness:

Francis Collins, announcing the first draft of the sequencing of the human genome in
June 2000, proposed that perhaps the work of the molecular geneticist was inspired by
the divine: “We have caught our first glimpse of our own instruction book, previously
known only to God.”

President Bill Clinton conveyed the same message: “Today we are learning the
language in which God created life. We are gaining ever more awe for … the wonder
of God’s most divine and sacred gift.”

Our search is more modest than Collins or Clinton. We would like to know:

▪ Where are my roots?
▪ Where do my relatives live today?
▪ Where did my ancestors come from?
▪ Here I am, my relatives may find me!

That foundation led John to give an official welcome to the O Mahony Genetic Genealogy Project and
specifically, a Y-DNA Surname project update:

The Y-DNA Surname Project started in 2003 and continued under Dr. Finbar O Mahony’s
guidance until his passing on May 22, 2022. We miss Finbar for many reasons,
including: his long-term commitment to the Society’s Y-DNA Surname Project, his
understanding of the historical relationship between Irish people and events, and as

7