Ireland Old News

IRELAND. CORK, NOV. 5
To-day Mr. Coroner Rice opened an inquest at Midleton on the body of Patrick Ahern, who died on Friday last from the effects of a bayonet wound inflicted in a police charge the previous evening. For some hours prior to the opening of the inquiry the town was in a state of excitement, and there was further evidence of the strong feeling which has sprung up against the police. Last night as a respectable shopkeeper named Dalton was sitting in his drawing- room, a stone was thrown through the window at him, and threats of further violence were used. The only reason assigned for this outrage is that Dalton is a Liberal Unionist and is friendly to the police. To-day some of the shopkeepers refused to have any dealings with the police, and it is thought that this latter circumstance is the result of a meeting held the previous day, in which Mr. W. J. Lane, M.P., took part. It was nearly 1 o'clock when the Coroner arrived in the town, and he then proceeded with the inquest. Great difficulty was experienced in getting together a jury, only 11 out of 24 summoned putting in an appearance. It is freely stated here that several of the jurors left town early to avoid serving, on the ground that they objected to allow themselves to be coerced into bringing in as verdict that may be contrary to their wishes. After considerable delay 14 persons were sworn and, and the Coroner said it was under the circumstances an extraordinary things that in a town so populous as Midleton a sufficient number of jurors could not be procured. Mr. Leahy said the present was a critical time in Midleton, and the people should not forget that they had a public duty to perform. The Coroner then said he intended to adjourn the inquiry after the post- mortem examination for a week. Mr. Julian said that of course they were bound by the wish of the Coroner, but it was the desire of the police that the inquest should be disposed of as rapidly as possible. They would at the same time give every assistance. Mr. Leahy said he had intended to apply for an adjournment, as he had a lot of evidence to get together, which could not possibly be done in a hurry. After some further discussion, the inquest was adjourned until to-morrow week.

IRELAND. CORK, NOV. 5

To-day Mr. Coroner Rice opened an inquest at Midleton on the body of Patrick Ahern, who died on Friday last from the effects of a bayonet wound inflicted in a police charge the previous evening. For some hours prior to the opening of the inquiry the town was in a state of excitement, and there was further evidence of the strong feeling which has sprung up against the police. Last night as a respectable shopkeeper named Dalton was sitting in his drawing- room, a stone was thrown through the window at him, and threats of further violence were used. The only reason assigned for this outrage is that Dalton is a Liberal Unionist and is friendly to the police.

To-day some of the shopkeepers refused to have any dealings with the police, and it is thought that this latter circumstance is the result of a meeting held the previous day, in which Mr. W. J. Lane, M.P., took part. It was nearly 1 o'clock when the Coroner arrived in the town, and he then proceeded with the inquest. Great difficulty was experienced in getting together a jury, only 11 out of 24 summoned putting in an appearance. It is freely stated here that several of the jurors left town early to avoid serving, on the ground that they objected to allow themselves to be coerced into bringing in as verdict that may be contrary to their wishes. After considerable delay 14 persons were sworn and, and the Coroner said it was under the circumstances an extraordinary things that in a town so populous as Midleton a sufficient number of jurors could not be procured.

Mr. Leahy said the present was a critical time in Midleton, and the people should not forget that they had a public duty to perform. The Coroner then said he intended to adjourn the inquiry after the post- mortem examination for a week. Mr. Julian said that of course they were bound by the wish of the Coroner, but it was the desire of the police that the inquest should be disposed of as rapidly as possible. They would at the same time give every assistance. Mr. Leahy said he had intended to apply for an adjournment, as he had a lot of evidence to get together, which could not possibly be done in a hurry. After some further discussion, the inquest was adjourned until to-morrow week.

IRELAND
A man named [Patrick] Ahern died on Friday from injuries received from the police on the previous day in a street fight in Midleton, county Cork, caused by an attempt to rescue a prisoner who was being conveyed to gaol. In his depositions Ahern stated that he went out of a public-house not being aware that there was any disturbance, and, before he knew where he was, he was stabbed and became unconscious. The inquest was opened on Monday before Coroner Rice, who conducted the inquests at Mitchelstown and Fermoy, and was adjourned at the request of the representative of the next of kin, who said he had a large amount of evidence to prepare.

IRELAND

A man named [Patrick] Ahern died on Friday from injuries received from the police on the previous day in a street fight in Midleton, county Cork, caused by an attempt to rescue a prisoner who was being conveyed to gaol. In his depositions Ahern stated that he went out of a public-house not being aware that there was any disturbance, and, before he knew where he was, he was stabbed and became unconscious. The inquest was opened on Monday before Coroner Rice, who conducted the inquests at Mitchelstown and Fermoy, and was adjourned at the request of the representative of the next of kin, who said he had a large amount of evidence to prepare.

Limerick

Regarding the case of Tom Moroney, Mr. Alfred Webb of Dublin writes:- "The scandal of retaining Mr. Moroney in prison increases as the days pass by. Within the last couple of weeks I have seen reports of two cases where 'gentlemen' were let off with fines of £5 for some of the grossest outrages of which men are capable-assaults on women-and here is Mr. Moroney nearly two years in prison for a matter of conscience, without trial, on the simple fiat of a judge in a moment of passion. I visited him on Saturday (Oct. 13). No one, even the bitterest opponent, could help admiring the splendid spirit and self-devotion of the man. His continued imprisonment is a travesty of justice. It is enough in itself to condemn the system by which it is attempted to govern us. No man can by imprisonment be made a criminal of who has the approval and sympathy of the vast mass of his fellow-countrymen. Trying to make him out one only tends to bring law and order into contempt. Law is not an ideal abstraction, but the outcome of the public conscience of Ireland is outraged as it is by his imprisonment and that of others, it is the law and not our consciences that is at fault. Sympathisers, in addition to the committee that so devotedly attends to him, should obtain leave from him for a visit. The hours at Kilmainham are between ten and one and two and 3:30 on week days. Two persons are allowed at a time."

It was pretty generally expected that the threatened evictions on Mr. J.C. Delmege's Glensharrold estate, would have been commenced on October 15th, but it is now stated that they have been postponed. The delay arises in consequence of the receiver agent no having been able to obtain the necessary magistrate's order for possession from the petty sessions court. Thirty tenants were served with eviction-made-easy notices, six months ago, and the period of caretakership having expired, it is necessary to obtain a magistrate's order for possession.

On Tuesday, October 16th, County Court Judge Purcell opened the Quarter Sessions at Limerick. He congratulated the grand jury on the peaceable state of the city, this being the third maiden sessions in Limerick this year, betokening the peaceable state of Limerick. This is a marvelous story for a large city; and it may be doubted whether any other places of similar importance can show such a record. When receiving the usual white gloves, Judge Purcell seemed to be at a loss to account for this phenomenal innocence on the part of Limerick; and he made a very clumsy attempt, indeed, to do it. The prompt sentences passed by the city magistrates, he ventured to speculate, had a deterrent effect-far more so than slow-footed severity. Those who know Limerick will be a little sceptical about his explanation.

Mr. John W. Joynt, M.A., late Scholar and Univeristy student, Trinity College, Dublin, has been appointed Principal of Nelson College, New Zealand.

On Oct. 12, at his residence, Cahervalla, Kilpeacon, Mr. Edward Hannan (formerly of Newtown, county Limerick), died, aged 80 years, deeply regretted by his family and a large circle of friends. His remains were interred in Cahercorney Churchyard, on the following Sunday, and the cortege was the largest witnessed there for many years.

CORK, NOV. 18
Yesterday Mr. Coroner Rice resumed the inquest at Midleton on the body of Patrick Ahern, labourer, who, it is alleged, died from the effects of a bayonet wound inflicted in a police charge on the 1st inst., when a riot took place in the town. Mr. H. B. Julian appeared for the police, who were under the command of District-Inspector Creaghe; District-Inspector Seymour represented the Crown; and Mr. R. Barry, B.L., the next-of-kin. At the sitting of the Court Patrick Mansfield, whom the police were arresting for drunkenness on the occasion, was first examined by Mr. Julian. He deposed that he was listening to Dr. Tanner's speech on the Sunday previous to the riot, but did not hear the half of it. Mr. Julian.— You heard the wrong half of it I'm afraid. I think we have the results brought pretty well home to Sunday's meeting. Witness admitted having resisted the police and having called to the crowd. Edmond Barry, a respectable shopkeeper in Midleton, deposed that he saw the police dragging the last witness along the street. He saw District-Inspector Creaghe pass by in plain clothes. Stones were thrown at him and he was hooted. He believed that the bayonet charge was entirely unnecessary. By Mr. Julian.—He heard the greater portion of the evidence already given, and heard Mr. Creaghe and several policemen swear that stones were thrown at them. He would not contradict that evidence, but would go so far as saying that no stones were thrown when the police charged. Were there any stones thrown that night?—They were thrown while the police took shelter in a hallway and while Mr. Creaghe was passing. When the police found it necessary to let the prisoner go the crowd cheered, but they appeared to be good humoured. And they showed their good humour by throwing stones at the police? Yes, most of the good humour consisted of throwing stones and hooting the police. Will you swear that none of the good humour consisted of making use of the expression, "Turn out Balfour's bloodhounds until we kill them?"—The expression may have been used. No one could justify the attack made on Mr. Creagh. To a juror.—I think the intention of the crowd was to prevent the police from taking the prisoner to the barrack. They were hemming in the police. The attitude of the crowd on this occasion seemed more agitated than ever before. The inquiry was then adjourned till Tuesday next.

CORK, NOV. 18

Yesterday Mr. Coroner Rice resumed the inquest at Midleton on the body of Patrick Ahern, labourer, who, it is alleged, died from the effects of a bayonet wound inflicted in a police charge on the 1st inst., when a riot took place in the town. Mr. H. B. Julian appeared for the police, who were under the command of District-Inspector Creaghe; District-Inspector Seymour represented the Crown; and Mr. R. Barry, B.L., the next-of-kin.

At the sitting of the Court Patrick Mansfield, whom the police were arresting for drunkenness on the occasion, was first examined by Mr. Julian. He deposed that he was listening to Dr. Tanner's speech on the Sunday previous to the riot, but did not hear the half of it. Mr. Julian.— You heard the wrong half of it I'm afraid. I think we have the results brought pretty well home to Sunday's meeting. Witness admitted having resisted the police and having called to the crowd.

Edmond Barry, a respectable shopkeeper in Midleton, deposed that he saw the police dragging the last witness along the street. He saw District-Inspector Creaghe pass by in plain clothes. Stones were thrown at him and he was hooted. He believed that the bayonet charge was entirely unnecessary. By Mr. Julian.—He heard the greater portion of the evidence already given, and heard Mr. Creaghe and several policemen swear that stones were thrown at them. He would not contradict that evidence, but would go so far as saying that no stones were thrown when the police charged. Were there any stones thrown that night?—They were thrown while the police took shelter in a hallway and while Mr. Creaghe was passing. When the police found it necessary to let the prisoner go the crowd cheered, but they appeared to be good humoured.

And they showed their good humour by throwing stones at the police? Yes, most of the good humour consisted of throwing stones and hooting the police. Will you swear that none of the good humour consisted of making use of the expression, "Turn out Balfour's bloodhounds until we kill them?"—The expression may have been used. No one could justify the attack made on Mr. Creagh.

To a juror.—I think the intention of the crowd was to prevent the police from taking the prisoner to the barrack. They were hemming in the police. The attitude of the crowd on this occasion seemed more agitated than ever before. The inquiry was then adjourned till Tuesday next.

CORK, NOV. 23
The inquest on Patrick Ahern terminated at Midleton yesterday. The foreman of the jury announced that they had unanimously agreed to a verdict of wilful murder against Constable Edward Swindell. He added that the jury wished to express it as their unanimous opinion that the order to charge by District-inspector Creagh was most unjustifiable. On the application of Mr. Barry the coroner issued a warrant for the arrest of Constable Swindell.

CORK, NOV. 23

The inquest on Patrick Ahern terminated at Midleton yesterday. The foreman of the jury announced that they had unanimously agreed to a verdict of wilful murder against Constable Edward Swindell. He added that the jury wished to express it as their unanimous opinion that the order to charge by District-inspector Creagh was most unjustifiable. On the application of Mr. Barry the coroner issued a warrant for the arrest of Constable Swindell.

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