Hi Peter,

Did you ever discover why Sarah Lynchey's son Thomas was entered twice in the shipping records? He is clearly the same person because each entry has the same trial information.

Thomas Lynchey, one of 280 convicts transported on the Norfolk, 04 July 1834.
Details: Sentence details: Convicted at Castle Rushen Gaol Delivery for a term of 14 years. Transferred to Lady Kennaway at Cork in September 1834. Left sick at Haulbowline -- Vessel: Norfolk. -- Date of Departure: 04 July 1834. -- Place of Arrival: Van Diemen's Land.

Thomas Lynchey, one of 306 convicts transported on the Mary Ann, 06 July 1835.
Details: Sentence details: Convicted at Castle Rushen Gaol Delivery for a term of 14 years. -- Vessel: Mary Ann. -- Date of Departure: 06 July 1835. -- Place of Arrival: New South Wales.

You have already examined these records, but, for what it's worth, I think the Date of Departure: 04 July 1834. -- Place of Arrival: Van Diemen's Land, refers to the Vessel Norfolk, not to Thomas who had been "Left sick at Haulbowline". As that was where the family had come from originally (Cork), perhaps Thomas was hoping to make a dash for it!

Did the Norfolk go from the IOM to Ireland to pick up convicts? Thomas must have had quite a wait there, from September to July, unless he was returned to the IOM between voyages.

Sue