The Times
London, Middlesex, England

November 06, 1828

A murder of a most brutal kind was perpetrated on Saturday evening last, on a man named BLOXAM, in the neighbourhood of Ballyconnel, in the county of Cavan. A fair had been held on that day in Ballyconnel; a party of about five in number, on their return from it, went into a public-house at the cross-roads of Lismore, to drink. Daniel O'REILLY, one of the party, drew a sheathed dagger from his breast, and said to another of the party, named DOUD, "We have not been good neighbours, but this will make peace between us." He was desired to put it up, and did so; but had not proceeded more than 20 paces from the house, when O'REILLY drew out his dagger, and wounded DOUD in the knee, Here a young man named William BLOXAM rode up, and interfered in behalf of DOUD, when O'REILLY struck him, and DOUD made off. BLOXAM dismounted for the purpose of resenting the blow he had received, when O'REILLY, being far stronger, threw him down and despatched him. He inflicted on his unfortunate victim no less than 17 wounds! five of them near the heart, and one of them actually passed through it. Their companions, who had supposed that they were only boxing, came up on seeing O'REILLY make off, and found poor BLOXAM weltering in his blood, and life totally extinct. The greatest promptitude was exerted in pursuit of the villain, and he was taken that very night near Ballinamore, where he resided. An inquest was held next day on the body, and before William IRWIN, Esq., coroner, a verdict of "Wilful murder" was returned against O'REILLY, who was instantly lodged in the county gaol. BLOXAM was a Protestant.---Sligo Journal.

Submitted by: County Cavan Newspaper Transcription Project