Thanks anyway. It is so peripheral to my actual line that I am happy to have his name and to have worked out which Skealy sister was her mother.

In the copy of the 1861 census form I got from Ancestry.co.uk Mary Skealy (nee Madrell) is living with daughter Christian and 3 grandchildren. Maria Reid plus two grandsons who I have found on IGI to be be Christian's children.

Mary Skilly, Head, Widow, 75, Pauper, Malew
Christian, Daugh, Un, 38, Washer, Ballaugh
Maria Reid, GrDaug, Un, 21, House & field work, Ballaugh
Joseph Kinnin, GrSon, 11, Ballaugh
John Gawn, GrSon, 2, Ballaugh

In 1871 Christian is living with her two youngest sons in Ballaugh at Ballaneddin

Elizabeth [sic] Skilley, Head. Unm, 50, Pauper, Ballaugh
John Gawne, Son, Unm, 15, Ballaugh
Edward Kneale, Son, 3, Ballaugh

In 1881 Christian is living with her sister Margaret Corris (nee Skealy) and husband James (this is where my family comes in).

For full references to the Skealy's I have looked up and for a picture of Margaret and James's gravestone see:
www.users.bigpond.net.au/rcorris1

Cheers,
Ruth