Need a hand with the Hands, please

[Shona]

John Ryan, gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, born in Tipperary, married Sarah Hand on 7 February 1873 in Newry. There's no information about parents.

In 1881, John, Sarah and children was based at Dover Castle
John, 32, born Ireland
Sara, 31, born Ireland
John P, 6, born Alderney
Bridget, 5, born Jersey
Catherine, 4, born Ireland *
Mary, 2, born Sheerness
James, 1, born Sheerness
Michael, 3 months, born Dover

* Baptised in Newry 14 July 1876 - witnesses: Ellen Hand and Michael Hand.

When John left the Army in 1887, he gave his address as Canal Quay, Newry.

1901 census, Canal Quay, Newry
Catherine Hand, head, 74, wid, green grocer, RC, read, b Co Down
Ellen Hand, 32, daughter, single, RC, read & write, b Co Down

There is also a 34-year-old Michael Hand, a publican, and his wife Margaret, 37, living in Newry in 1901 and 1911. They are both Catholic.

In 1911, Ellen Hand is still at Canal Quay.
Ellen, 40, head, single, RC, read & write, b Co Down
Mary, 45, sister, single, RC. read & write, b Co Down

John and Sarah Ryan are both living in Belfast in 1901 and 1911. In 1901, Sara says she is 50, but she is 65 in 1911.

Sara was therefore born between 1846 and 1851 (according to the census records). However, the only Newry baptism that I can find is for 1844.

Sara Ann Hand, baptised 12 January, RC, father: James Hand, mother: Catherine McLennon

If this birth is correct, then the Catherine living at Canal Quay could be Sarah's mother.

There is a death of a Catherine Hand, age 70, in 1905 in Co Armagh. As regards James, there is a baptism in Co Down in 1827 and a death in Newry in 1890, age 68.

What do people think? Am I on the right track?

And any thoughts about the Ellen and Michael Hand who are baptism witnesses in 1876?

[kiterunner]

It all seems to fit together nicely but I think Hand is quite a common surname in Ireland.

[Shona]

It looks good to me, too. After trying to fathom out the Ryan's from Tipperary, researching the Hands is bliss.