Genetic Genealogy Curtin Clan DNA Project
by Neal Curtin
We all know we are Curtins. Most of us know where in Ireland we come from. How did the name appear in so many diverse locations? That is something that we do not know. With advent of DNA testing we have all seen how some crimes have been solved through DNA tests to the point where certainty is described to jurors.
These tests are quite comprehensive, detailed, and expensive. Several Universities such as Trinity College in Dublin, Oxford in England, and the University of Arizona have developed a stripped down version that can be used for Genealogy. It is known that the male y chromosome is passed unchanged from father to son, and in certain portions show little if any change over many generations.
Family Tree DNA, associated with the University of Arizona has developed a test on the y chromosome that checks these portions. This test is not a check for paternity but is a check to see if there is a common ancestor, or Most Recent Common Ancestor (MCRA). The test will provide a 99% check for common ancestors or a 100% check for no recent common ancestors.
The Curtin Clan Genealogy project is now open. With the scattered pockets of Curtins, genealogy has limitations due to lack of records. With this project we may be able to find out if the Clare Curtins are related to the Limerick branch, and how they may relate to the Kerry, and Cork Curtins. We may be able to break down some walls that have prevented Genealogists from connecting families.
The test is simple. It is mailed to you as two toothed cotton swabs and a small container for each. You swab the inside of your mouth, once on each side, break
off the tips and place them in the containers, then mail them back. It takes less than 15 minutes with no blood, sweat or tears. We highly recommend the 37 marker test as it provides the most information for comparison. The cost for the test for our group is $189 US.The Clan will apply a $25 credit to the test reducing the cost to $164 US plus postage.
This can be done either by invoice or by charge card. It would like more information, please go to http://www.familytreedna.com/faq.html for frequently asked questions. If you would like to join in the testing go to http://www.familytreedna.com/surname.asp and go to the Curtin file.
If you have any questions please email Dan Curtin at CurtinClan@berk.com