Started my family tree research a few years ago but still haven't found enough time to do a lot.

Looking at my father's maternal side. Dad was born Allen Russell Holmes, known by most as "Bluey", on 2/8/1930 and passed away 27/12/1995. He lived most of his life in Red Hill and was buried at the Dromana Cemetery on Arthurs Seat, Victoria on 2/1/96. He was married to my mother, Nancy Dinah West (born 29/10/1942), known as "Dinah" who came from Sorrento. They were married in Rosebud at the Methodist Church on 11/7/1959 and later divorced around 1983-84.

Dad's parents were Annie Lucilla Simpson, born on 28/8/1901 and John Henry Montgomery Holmes, (aka Little Jack) born 4/8/1900. They were married at Red Hill on 27/9/1927. My grandmother's parents were Frederick Joseph Simpson (born 5/10/1872 in Hokitika, New Zealand, died 23/12/1906) and Emily Russ (born in Bristol, England 19/10/1872, died 28/20/1957). They were married in Brighton, Victoria on 7/11/1900.

Frederick's parents were Mary Ann McIlroy (born 19/2/1849) in Tamlaght By Moneymore, County Londonderry, Ireland and Joseph Simpson (born 26/11/1837) in Kingsmill, County Londonderry, Ireland. They were married at the Richmond Presbyterian Church, in Richmond, Victoria, Australia on 8/12/1870. Mary Ann died 31/3/1935 but I can't find any record of her death or burial/cremation, except that date. I don't know where she died, though it has been suggested it was Cheltenham, Victoria but I haven't found any evidence in any death/cemetery records. Her husband, Joseph, died in Red Hill on 23/12/1906; he is buried at the Dromana Cemetery, hence I wonder why Cheltenham has been mentioned, as I would have thought they would be in a similar place. I have searched the Mornington Peninsula Cemeteries and haven't found Mary Ann mentioned anywhere.

Mary Ann's parents were William and Margaret McIlroy (nee Johnson). They were from Little Bridge, Moneymore, County Londonderry. They emigrated with 5 of their children to Red Hill in 1860/1861 and may have had other children. I have notes that Mary Ann's siblings are Elizabeth, who married Charles Cleine, William John, who married Elizabeth Hillis, James (married but separated - no other info), Jemima, married Thomas Simpson (may or may not be related to Mary Ann's husband, Joseph Simpson), Joseph, married Sarah Hillis (also may or may not be related to William's wife, Elizabeth) and mention of a Matthew but no information at all.

I would love any information at all on the family and to know what ship the McIlroy family boarded and from where in Britain and where they arrived in Australia. If anyone at all could assist, I would be extremely grateful. Thanks in advance.