WHEN “The Horses of Aughrim” article appeared in John Wakefield’s online search about his Irish ancestors, he got in touch with The Irish Field office.

The feature on Leslie Wakefield was part of Susan Finnerty’s West of the Shannon series and the end result was a visit by John, his wife, and two sisters to Aughrim last Friday, to meet his long-lost relatives.

The Wakefield farm stands on the Battle of Aughrim battlefields and the group also visited the old cottage once lived in by Dr Albert Wakefield, who emigrated to America, and the Holy Trinity Church in Aughrim village.

“A once in a lifetime experience to walk where my ancestors walked,” is how John, who lives 20 miles from Washington DC, described the visit.