My father left my mother before my birth and then died when I was a child. My mother has died, having refused to tell me much about him or his family. She went on to have my brothers and my past was a dirty secret. He was Irish. I have managed to get his birth certificate and I know his parents' names. That's all. I think he may have had siblings and I may have living relatives in Ireland. I have no idea where to start with looking, as I can't find any trace of him or his parents on a family tree (I joined various genealogy sites). I was even in touch with the Salvation Army but they would need me to give the name of the relative I'm searching for. My health is dodgy and I'd love to tie up this loose end. Any idea how I can do this? I don't think I can afford to use an Irish based genealogist and I don't know if they can trace living relatives anyway. At least I'd love to meet someone who could tell me what he was like. Is there a way to find out if my Irish grandparents had other children etc?