Roscommon Herald Articles (1-85) This is the first page of the collected Roscommon Herald Articles. I begin with an Irish Roots article I wrote describing the process of getting the articles from microfilm to the Internet. Irish Roots article Local newspapers: the hidden archive Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin Have you been researching so long that you are beginning to run out of resources, archives and even ideas? I had been researching my family history for some years and was coming to a standstill. Like many researchers I was having difficulty finding information on the members of my family (Cryan) who lived during the nineteenth century. The Cryan surname is historically concentrated around the north Co. Roscommon / south Co. Sligo area. My great great grandfather John Cryan taught in Croghan National School near Boyle, Co. Roscommon. I knew that he started work there in 1888 and that he died in 1905 so I decided to systematically read all the Roscommon Heralds between those years to see if I could glean any information about him or his family. Such work would probably not be considered by someone starting out in his or her family history research but in my case I had exhausted many different archives and now had the time to start on a bigger project. As I read the papers on microfilm in the National Library I noted all references to the surname, as I knew such information could become important at a later date if different Cryan families were linked up. This research has produced 125 articles to date. The whole process of bringing the articles from microfilm to the Internet is somewhat convoluted but worth explaining in some detail for those who might consider doing such work on their own names. I usually spend around 2 hours at a time in the National Library in Dublin looking through the microfilmed Roscommon Heralds. It takes me that amount of time to go through 6 months of the weekly newspaper. After taking note of all articles, obituaries, court cases, advertisements, drawings and photographs etc where the name Cryan or any variants (e.g. Crean and Crehan) are mentioned, I type up a list and post it to the Roscommon library. The references are then photocopied for me from the microfilm by the wonderful and helpful staff there. I then send the copies to volunteer typists from the Rootsweb.com Cryan mailing list who type the articles and email them back to me. This allows me to check them over and number them. I then put them on the Cryan mailing list (which has about 100 members). The emails are then saved to a file that I eventually put in an archive on my own website to be made available to neophytes. The articles range from the comic to the tragic. For example on 18 August 1889 in a report of the Boyle Petty Sessions the police charged Joseph Connolly and Batty Cryan of Breedogue, with "fighting on the public street on the fair day" in an article entitled A Row about "Poteen." This was Batty's version of the story: ""Well," he says, "you thief and you robber, are you going to pay me for the "poteen" whiskey you stole from me?" I never stole any "poteen" from him. He said he would take my life if I would not pay him for the "poteen" whiskey. He had a dreadful weapon of a stick in his hand. I struck him a nice little blow of a stick just to keep him quiet (laughter)." Similarly, serious events like a murder trial were reported with the same level of verisimilitude. In an article from 23 December, 1882 on the Connaught Winter Assizes entitled Charge Of Murder it was reported: "John Cryan, examined by Sergeant Robinson, said - I left the October fair of Boyle with James Cryan, Thomas and Winifred Cryan. After we had gone a short distance out of the town we saw some men on the road before us. When we came near to them a man named Toolan said he was about to be beaten on his brother-in-law's account. Toolan and a man named McGowan then had a squabble and the deceased came up just then. When he came up Thomas Kennedy struck him on the back of the head and knocked him down. Kennedy then said - "I gave him that, and long I watched for him". I did not see any blow struck but one, and after receiving that blow Hunt spoke a word. Winifred Cryan said to the prisoner "O Thomas, what is that you have done."" In the end, Thomas Kennedy was found guilty of manslaughter of Thomas Hunt and sentenced to five years penal servitude. While on the subject of death, the committed genealogist could come across an obituary of an ancestor with the following information at the end of the description of the funeral: "The chief mourners were - Mrs. M. Cryan (wife), P., J., M.J., B.T., and J. Cryan (sons), M., M.E., and A.E. Cryan (daughters), Mr. P. Cryan, Newtownforbes, and Mr. B. Cryan, Ballinamore (brothers); Mr. P. Kerins, Ballymote (uncle); Mr. J. Dennedy (nephew); M. Dennedy, Dublin (niece); J. Kerins, J. Davey, A. Flynn, J. Benson, J. Flanagan, P. Davey, A. Walsh, P. Cosgrove, B. Flynn (cousins). Rev. Canon Loftus officiated at the grave. - R.I.P." [from October 18 1902, Death And Funeral Of Mr. Michael Cryan, Ballymote (Co. Sligo)]. In one fell swoop we have sons, daughters, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a grand collection of townlands and new extended family names to research. On a lighter note, what was your ancestor like at, say, football? Sports hyperbole was no different in the 'noughties' of the twentieth century. The following is from the edition of 23 September 1901: "Football Boyle v Carrick-On-Shannon [...] The Carrick forwards made some good rushes, but the backs, Cryan and Cregg, seemed impenetrable. The latter appeared a bit off colour during the first quarter of an hour, but pulled up for it well subsequently, as he along with Cryan played a most determined and scientific game." Or, maybe your ancestor played an important part in a major local event and you never heard through the family grapevine? For example, on the 14 December 1901 a "Terrific Blaze in Boyle" was reported: "Big Premises Gutted. One of the most disastrous conflagrations ever witnessed in Boyle took place at an early hour on last Sunday morning, when the extensive business establishment of Mr. W. J. Sloan, one of the leading merchants in these parts, was completely gutted and destroyed. […] The following, in addition to those mentioned above, assisted at the work of quenching the fire - Sergeant Hadlock, Corporal Cryan, Privates Cryan […]." In fact, in this case, the event had not yet reached into the family mythology of Maureen McCourt Nantista of Huntington, NY who was delighted to read about her great-grandfather, Corporal Michael Cryan, in the above and other Roscommon Herald articles. While marriage notices were not so common then, when they were inserted they contained plenty of genealogical information. One such notice was published on 13 Sep1902 as follows: "Boyle Marriages Cryan and Devine - On September 2nd at St Francis Xavier's church, Gardiner St, Dublin, with Nuptial Mass, Mr. John Cryan, merchant of Bridge St, Boyle was married to Miss Eleanor, Mary (May) Devine, second eldest daughter of Mr. Fitzmaurice Devine, merchant, Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev George J Coyle PP, Highwood, assisted by Very Rev Canon B R Coyne PP VF, Boyle, and the Very Rev Fr Conmee SJ." Politics also played an important part in the lives of the people at that time. The controversy surrounding Charles Stewart Parnell and his affair with Kitty O'Shea had local ripples. At a public meeting a row broke out which became the subject of a Crimes Act Court held at Carrick-on-Shannon and reported on 11 April 1891. According to Constable Irwin, Robert Cryan, a member of the County Council, was waving his hat and cheering for Parnell while Canon Hoare was trying to speak. The mention of Kitty's name was too much for some: "When Canon Hoare was speaking, some one on the platform said "Kitty O'Shea." Paddy McManus shouted " Not another word" and then in the din of the confusion set up again. He saw McDermott, Cryan, and the McManus's at the breaking up of the platform, and their conduct was bad. The priests then held the meeting in the chapel-yard, and the Drumshambo people brought down Parnell's banner, and placed it before the chapel door and commenced groaning, shouting and whistling." Robert Cryan was punished for his activism. A vote for his expulsion from the County Council "was seconded 'una voce' by eleven Nationalists and warmly endorsed by a ringing cheer from hundreds outside." Out of the 125 articles posted on the mailing list (so far) only 4 articles referred to my family directly. However, their significance made the long hours worthwhile. Both John Cryan, my great great grandfather, and his daughter Mary J. Cryan were members of the Boyle Teachers' Association which had regular meetings reported by The Roscommon Herald. One report of 24 October, 1896 noted John Cryan's retirement and another of 8 February, 1902 noted the death of one of his sons. The most significant of all was the discovery of a long obituary article about Mary J. Cryan published on 22 March, 1902 which reported that "her remains were interred in the family sepulchre at Eastersnow" cemetery. I had made many disappointing field trips over the years to the cemeteries around Croghan so you can imagine my delight with this discovery. The obituary also mentioned cousins with the names of Lowe and Eardley, which was also new information to me. The significance of old local newspapers for genealogical research lies not just in their range of local stories and events, e.g. obituaries and court cases, but also in the style of reporting which would not be entertained in local papers today. Court cases were reported verbatim so one could have the actual words of an ancestor in your collection and almost all the names of everyone who attended a meeting, funeral or public gathering were mentioned. You didn't have to do much for your 15 minutes of fame in those days. Indeed, the odd report on a political gathering would provide a good alternative to a local census. Similarly, drawings of the local people appeared on the front of most issues from the early 1880s to the 1900s. I have collected 17 drawings of Cryans and scanned them to my website. Photographs were rare enough but I have found a few of the local Cryans. The significance of such photographs and drawings lies in the possibility that they may be the only ones in existence of these people. A nice surprise if one turns out to be your great great grandfather! There were also advertisements for Cryan's pub in Boyle, a pub still carrying that name in the centre of the town. Ultimately, it would be ideal if the articles could be published in book form illustrated with the ads, drawings and photographs. Such a book, I believe would be unique in Irish genealogical research. While the market may appear to be small it would have universal appeal in that it would demonstrate the variety and style of material to be found in Irish local newspapers. The idea could be developed by setting up projects whereby the papers could be gleaned for references to all names and illustrations which would then be put on a website. The current local newspaper titles could be encouraged to invest in such work on their historical antecedents as a way of publicising their newspapers and encouraging others to see them as "newspapers of record". At least by then, we will have gone some way in making up for the disastrous losses of genealogical information which covered the nineteenth century.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 1 Thanks to Karen Mc Elrath for the typing 29 November 1890 Politics in Carrick
Roscommon Herald Articles No 2 Thanks to Karen Mc Elrath for the typing 18 August 1889 Boyle Petty Sessions. A Row about “Poteen.” The police charged Joseph Connolly and Batty Cryan of Breedogue, with fighting on the public street on the fair day. The defendants had cross-cases against each other. Mr McDermott appeared for Connolly and Mr McMorrow for Cryan. Cryan was sworn and said – I was in Mr Leyland’s in a little room off the shop. I went to the right, and Connolly came in, and sat on the left at another table. “Well,” he says, “you thief and you robber, are you going to pay me for the “poteen” whiskey you stole from me?” I never stole any “poteen” from him. He said he would take my life if I would not pay him for the “poteen” whiskey. He had a dreadful weapon of a stick in his hand. I struck him a nice little blow of a stick just to keep him quiet (laughter). Mr John Leyland ordered him out, and told him he was always a great annoyance in the shop. I went out, and told three policemen he was after me. They said that they were not on duty, but would tell me where there was a policeman on duty. I went down to Mr Phillip’s, and came back before the policeman. Connolly struck me on the arm with a stick. I had a little ashplant, and only I defended myself he would take my life. To Mr McDermott–I was sober; I admit I struck the first blow in the room. A boy named John Beirne deposed that he saw Joe Connolly hit Batty Cryan a “skelp” of a stick. He saw Cryan defend himself. Joe Connolly was examined and said he had some drink taken that day. After some little arguments in Leyland’s, Cryan struck him, and he came back and made a second attempt to strike him. To Mr McMorrow–I had a grudge against Cryan; I don’t like him to tell you honestly (laughter). Mr McMorrow–Is that because he appropriated your “poteen”? Mr Webb–He is not bound to answer (laughter). Pat Gara was examined, and admitted that Connolly began the argument and Cryan struck first. Mr Webb said in consideration of the provocation, they dismissed both cases.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 3 Thanks to Karen Mc Elrath for the typing 7 April 1888 Keash Branch (Co. Sligo) –At the meeting held on Sunday last, Mr Luke Hannon, V. P., occupied the chair. He said they all had reason to lament the sudden death of Andrew Cryan, the youngest member of their committee, who was snatched away so suddenly. Few amongst them had done more than he to serve the National cause. He joined the band at the age of sixteen years, and soon became the leading player. He was always ready at the shortest notice wherever the services of the band were required. He thought they could all congratulate themselves on the orderly way the funeral arrangements were carried out. It was a respectable sight to see. 100 of his brother Nationalists, all young men, wearing white and green scarves, marching in processional order, paying him their last tribute of respect by convoying his remains to their last resting place in Templevanny. The following resolution was passed by the committee: – ‘That we avail ourselves of this our earliest opportunity in expressing our sincere regret for the death of Andrew Cryan, one of our respected committee, that we tender to his sorrowing father, brothers and sisters our deep sympathy in their grief and trouble.’
Roscommon Herald Articles No 4 Thanks to Karen Mc Elrath for the typing 3 March 1888 The Morals of Boyle Workhouse The Sworn Inquiry On Monday last Capt, Sampson, Local Government Board Inspector, held a sworn inquiry in the boardroom of Boyle workhouse regarding the scandal connected with the birth of an illegitimate child by a woman named Anne Cryan, who has been an inmate for eleven years, and who alleged that the schoolmaster was the father. Dr. Stafford, J. P., Rev. C. O’Malley, P. P….and the following guardians, Messers P. Mullany, J. Lindsay of Candon and J. Mulrooney were present during the proceedings. Annie Cryan was sworn and said–I have been an inmate of Boyle workhouse for 11 years outside the 3rd April next, I have not been out of the house on any occasion for the last six years; I was confined of a child on the 1st February.; the father is Mr Conway, the schoolmaster; it occurred in May last; I am not certain about the time; it was about the first week. It occurred in the schoolroom in the afternoon about between 6 and 7 o’clock. It occurred twice but not on the same day. When was the first occasion? – In May; I could not give the date; there was about a week between. The second occurrence took place in the evening about the same hour. How did you get to the schoolroom? – He asked me up. I was in the hall after giving out the milk for the suppers. I was in the hall. He asked me would I go up to the schoolroom, that he wanted me. I went up. I did not know at that time the purpose he wanted me for. He said nothing but took a hold of me. I made no resistance. I came out to the infirm ward for old women that I belong to. I never told anyone until the baby was born. How did you get across from the infirm ward to the schoolroom? – Down the hall and out the halldoor. I got from the hall to the infirm ward, as the door was open. I did not see any person in the hall when I passed through. I used to measure out the milk for the suppers for the house. I got the milk in the store, which was open. This young gentleman (Mr Conway) was in charge of the store giving out the milk. I could no say where the Master was. If the Master is doing business in any other place, the schoolmaster takes the keys and takes charge of the store. He was in charge on these two nights. I never went to the hospital or to the body of the house with the milk; a little girl takes up the milk to the Master’s room. The doors from the infirm ward to the hall are locked during the day, but open at supper time. These things occurred after supper. How did you find the doors open when you came back? – Prayers were going on in the chapel. I did not attend them on those occasions. I never found the doors open at any other time, when I wanted to pass in and out of the hall. After the child was born, I told the Matron and Mrs French whose the child was. I had two other children. Where were the boys out of the schoolroom on these nights? – They were at prayers. Cross-examined by Mr MacDormot – I am the mother of two illegitimate children; a man named Davy near Ballymote was father of both of them. The eldest of children is 14 years, and is a servant to the Master; I never help her. I was five years a nurse in the hospital. I broke my foot it and the Medical officer did not put me out for being drunk. I’m sure the Master was in the house the night these things happened. He might be over here looking at his books. The schoolmaster never had much conversation with me. I told him before Christmas at the turfhouse I was so. He laughed it off in little laugh and he said he would see me again. He never saw me again and he knows himself that is the truth. He need not be bringing anyone in the house into it but himself. The Master was sick last June. I went up to the Master’s room for an order for the milk; but if I did his daughter was there. The Master was in bed, but was not I handed him the bill, but his daughter. It was Mr Conway sent me up with the order because it was I knew best, the milk I gave out. You need not be bringing the Master into it at all. Capt. Sampson (sharply) – Just answer the questions now. Cross-examination resumed – It is about five years ago since the Matron reported my having got drink in the Porter’s room. I did not go into prayers on these nights because I was not good enough to go there. Why did you not go that night? – Because he had me “drawn.” I did not take any supper in the hall as I was in the ward small. He spoke to me when I was giving out the milk before the ward supper; he told me he wanted me. I did not tell Honor McLaughlin I was bribed to xxx it on him. I do not care what she swears or what he swears he is the father of it. I told the Matron it occurred in the women’s yard. I did not want to be telling them everything. Capt. Sampson – Why did you tell them it occurred in the women’s yard? – I did not like to tell them anything until it came to the point here. Mr MacDermot – When she was making herself up for this inquiry, she knew she could not give a more private place than the schoolroom. Capt. Sampson – I want to see can she give any intelligible reason why she invented the yard, and then changed it to the schoolroom. It appears to me she cannot. The witness further stated – The prayers were not finished when I came back from the schoolroom. The doors are locked the minute prayers are over. I swear no extra supplies were sent to me to the hospital since the child was born. Mr MacDermot said he would not examine Mr Conway until he saw she had corroborative evidence. Capt. Sampson – The question of the paternity of the child is not of so much of importance as the question of how this irregularity occurred. Mr Mullany as a guardian asked if this was noticed by anyone or by the officers of the house. Capt. Sampson – We have not got to the officers of the house yet. Mr MacDermot – If this women can get no corroboration, I venture to say you would not believe her alone. Capt. Sampson – That is as regards the paternity of the child; but the actual fact remains the child was born in the house. Better get the schoolmaster now, and let him make his statement. Mr Edward Conway was then sworn. Cryan – You are taking that oath wrongfully. Mr Conway – It is entirely false I had communication with her. Cryan – Certainly. Capt. Sampson – Don’t interrupt. You were not interrupted. Mr Conway – I often had to speak to her and give her directions. I never made any appointment with her in the milk-store, or any place else. The first time I heard of any imputation of this sort was the morning the child was born; I was away at a wedding and came back that morning. I never spoke to her about the turfhouse about this. Cryan – Certainly you did. Capt. Sampson – You must hold your tongue or I will put you out of the room. Mr Conway – I always read the prayers when the Master is out or I have to take out the milk or give out the suppers for the house. If I had a friend in my room, I would ask Miss Sheorin to read the prayers. That seldom occurs. I was absent at home on the 8th May. The Master was absent two or three nights at the end of May, and I read the prayers. When the Mater is absent, after having given out the milk, I give out the oil, and take the keys of the front house, and lock them in the porter’s desk. Then I go to the Master's office, and enter up the hospital books for the day. Capt. Sampson – How is it you enter up the Master’s books? Mr Conway – I would do it to oblige him. There is no return kept of the days I would do the Master’s duty. I never go into the schoolroom after supper. There are always people moving about the hall. She could possibly go far without being remarked. Capt. Sampson – Have you any way of showing where you were on these particular nights in May? Witness – Three or four women in the house attended the rosary every night. I attended very regularly in times of special devotion. They won’t be able to prove to particular dates. I had a conversation in the presence of the Porter with the Master since this child was born. He suggested to me it was better for me to go and throw this woman a £1 and get out of it. I said she would never get any money from me. Capt. Sampson – Is that material? Mr MacDermot – I think it is. In reply to the Inspector, Dr Stafford said the first week in May would be correct. Miss Cunningham, the matron was sworn and said – The morning the child was born I asked when did it occur and she said in June in the women’s yard. I said I did not believe it could have occurred there, as there were so many people about. I said it did occur there after prayers and that it was the schoolmaster. I was speaking to Mrs French, and she said it could not have been June. This women then said it might have been May or June, and was not sure – that she was not well up in dates. I used to see her every day, and I did not notice her condition before this. Capt. Sampson – It seems extraordinary you did not notice a thing like that. Witness – Since this occurrence the women’s doors are always locked. As a matter of fact while the people were in at prayers, any person that liked could ramble about the house? I never met any of them rambling. But they could do it if they liked? - I suppose they could when the door was open. There was no roll call to see were the people at prayers. This women, was always in the hall giving out the milk. A great many of the hospital people come down to prayers. The inform people get there meals carried to them. You say the doors were left open during prayers, and if a woman stood behind she could go about the house of her own accord? – Yes, until the doors would be locked; that was always so before I came to the house. As a rule I always take curfew of the hall when the inmates are having their supper. I stand by the man giving out the meals. Sometimes I go into the chapel with the inmates, or I am about the place. After prayers the schoolmistress locks the women’s door. This woman sometimes brought messages to the Master’s room in the morning. He would send down for her and I would send her up, and the schoolmaster would do it in the same way when he would be doing the business. Seldom I give out the breakfasts. It seems an extraordinary thing that a woman with two illegitimate children in the house could wander about the house without being called to order? – She was a wardsmaid. Her proper position was in the infirm ward, she had no business to go to the Master’s room and there might have been a better selection as wardsmaid? – I never had any fault to find with her, she always behaved herself very well in the house; she was very clean, and that was the reason she was brought in to give out the milk. To Mr MacDermot – I never saw any intimacy between her and Mr Conway, or any man coming in or out of the house. Mrs French, hospital nurse, swore she was present when Cryan made the statement to Mrs Cunningham. The child was full-grown. Miss Cunningham explained that this woman was selected as a wardsmaid because she was best of her class. Capt. Sampson – It was not about her being a nurses I spoke, but about her being sent up to the Master’s room. A tall bold woman named Anne Purcell was called by Mr MacDermot an sworn. She said- I am 14 months an inmate here; I spent most of my time in the cookhouse, and slept here. About this time twelve months, before the bed bell rung, I saw Anne Cryan coming from the front house with the Master, and she appeared to be intoxicated with liquor. He let her out and locked the door. After being in the laundry he said, “Anne Cryan, ring the bell.” I said she was there. “Oh, Anne Purcell,” says he, “ring the bell.” I suppose Anne Cryan was always in his mind. About the 8th or 9th of May when the rosary was going on, I saw Anne Cryan talking with the Master in the schoolroom. Her daughter was standing there in the hall, and I said, “what is your mother doing there with the Master?” She said she wanted clothes from the Master, as they were going out. Mr Conway was there at the rosary with his children. Capt. Sampson – Was the Master under the influence of drink that night that he locked Anne Cryan outside the door? Witness – I could not say he was under the influence of drink, because I always saw him in the habit of having some drink taken. Capt. Sampson asked the Master did he want to ask her any questions. The Master said there were never greater falsehoods sworn. The woman was most vindictive because he checked her on several occasions. James Bruen was called as the next witness by Mr MacDermot, and said – I am porter to Messrs Kennedy who have a contract for supplying goods to the workhouse. On one occasion I saw the Mater and this woman in the milk-store. This woman was leaning over the churn, and he had his arms around her waist. I said to him “Mr Kennedy would be blaming me for delaying.” He said, “All right, James, I will be ready in a few minutes.” The Master said he would ask no questions. He wondered the man would presume to sit there, and swear what he did. An old woman named Honor McLaughlin , who is servant to Mr Conway, swore that a fortnight before this woman was confined, she said to her not to crush her, as she was near her confinement, and “of her opinion she would leave it on the schoolmaster, as she was bribed.” Cryan – Wasn’t it lucky I told that to a lunatic like you? Mr Philip O’Donnell, the porter, was next examine briefly as to the entries in his book. Capt. Sampson – I don’t think that evidence is important. I will now ask Father O’Malley, the chaplain. The Rev. O’Malley, P.P., V. F., was sworn and said he reported this matter to the guardians. From the evidence he heard to-day there was an irregularity with regard to closing the doors during prayer. Have you had to find fault with any of the officers as to their conduct or behaviour in the house as chaplain of the institution? - Yes, I had to find fault with the Master and with O’Donnell, the porter. What kind of misconduct to do you attribute to them? – Drunkenness. It was probably five months ago. I saw the Master and with O’Donnell, the porter. Did you see him doing his duty in the house drunk? - It was not long ago since I saw him worth a considerable quantity of drink taken but still he was doing his work. I saw the porter in his room very incapable from drink on one occasion. I think there should be a more strict supervision practised with regard to the attendance of the inmates at night and morning prayers. I can give no information regard to this affair; I often saw this women attending her religious duties. Mr Richard (House?) Master, was then sworn. He said it was the talk of the hose how this women deceived every one as to her condition. He swore that the statements of Purcell and Bruen were utterly false. His daughter was there on the three occasions this woman came to his room with the account of the milk. What Father O’Malley swore about him was correct. Have you any reason or excuse oaf any kind how this connection between this woman and any man took place in the house, putting the schoolmaster out of the question? – Every officer has his pass key, and it might be used improperly or not; no person can control that. Mr Hall tendered the daughter of Anne Cryan as writes, but the Inspector would not take her evidence as against her mother. Mr Conway appealed to Mr Odbert, the clerk, as to his character. The Inspector said he knows nothing about his conduct in the house. Cryan – Mr Hall is fairly belied. This terminated the inquiry, and the Local Government board will communicate the result to the guardians.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 5 Thanks to Karen Mc Elrath for the typing 14 April 1888 The Master and Porter Called on to Resign The following was read: - Local Government Board. Dublin, 6 April 1888. Sir – I am directed by the Local government Board for Ireland to inform the Board of Guardians of Boyle Union that they have received Capt. Sampson’s report of the inquiry, held by him into a charge of immorality preferred against the schoolmaster of the workhouse by an inmate named Anne Cryan, together with minutes of the evidence taken at the inquiry which are enclosed for the guardians’ information. Capt. Sampson in his report states as follows:-“Anne Cryan, the woman in question, is the mother of two illegitimate children and states the schoolmaster is the father of this child. It appears after the child was born, she stated both to the Matron and the hospital nurse that the connection only took place once in the women’s yard. On, however, their fixing the time and hour she gave, it would be broad daylight and almost impossible for it to occur in such a public place. She afterwards changed the time and place , and said it occurred twice in the schoolroom. She admits on oath that the statements she first made are false, and can offer no reason for having done so. From the evidence and the way in which she gave it, I feel certain she was not stating the truth and that her evidence cannot be relied on. Mrs McLoughlin , an old woman, swears she had a conversation with Anne Cryan before the child was born, and that Anne Cryan told her she would put it on the schoolmaster, and that she had been bribed to do so. Mr Conway, the schoolmaster, is a young man, of very good character, and he denies on oath all the statements made against him by Anne Cryan. Taking the previous character of this woman into consideration, as well as her acknowledgement that her first statements were false, and there being absolutely no corroboration, I think she has altogether failed to establish her charge. The fact, however, remains that the child was born in the house, the management of which does not appear to be in a satisfactory state.” The guardians will observe that although Anne Cryan has failed to prove her charge, there is evidence to show that the Master has been guilty of great neglect of duty, and that he not maintained proper discipline and classification in the establishment. It also appears that both himself and the Porter are addicted to habits of intemperance, and that at a recent occasion the Master was fined at Petty Sessions for drunkenness on the streets. Under these circumstances it is quite evidence that these officers are wholly unfit for their situations, and the Local government board request that the guardians will call upon them to send in their resignations at their next meeting. You are requested to return the minutes of evidence to this office when done with. – I am Sir your obedient servant, D. J. MacSheahan, Asst. Sec. The Master and Porter were called before the board and informed of the result by the chairman. The Master said it was usual for Boards of Guardians to ask the Local Government Board reconsider their decision. Mr O’Brien said he saw from the Herald report that there only one charge of intemperance proved against the porter. After some discussion Mr Cox proposed the following which was seconded by Mr Burns: – As our Master, Mr Hall is a very old officer of this union for over 25 years, and this being the first charge preferred against him, also our Porter Mr O’Donnell, whom the board are also satisfied has discharged his duties satisfactorily, we trust the Local Government Board will reconsider their decision, as these officers have promised they will be more attentive to their duties in future, and a repetition of this offence will not occur. Mr Lindsay proposed and Mr O’Rorke seconded that the matter be adjourned for the summoned Board on that day, fortnight. The voting was: – For the resolution – Messrs Powell, Burns, Cox, H. Lawrence – 4. For the adjournment – Messrs Priest, Mullany, O’Rorke, O’Brien, Flanagan, Lindsay, Chairman – 7. Mr S. Lawrence did not vote.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 6 29 April 1893 The Masters Report The master (Mr Cox) that he lodged to the credit of the Union during the week the sum of £23 made up as follows: - Pigs sold, less 2s luck-money, and care and feeding, 5s, £21 12 0d; Mr John Higgins, expenses in hospital, 12s; Ellen Kearne, do, £1 1s. There was a sum of £1 9s 2 due by a man named Martin Cryan, Edmundstown, for hospital expenses since November last. The master wrote since to him about it, but had since got no reply. The boys and girls were out for exercise during the week. After giving the clerk instructions as to Cryan's debt, The guardians adjourned.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 7 31 Oct 1896 p2 Boyle Petty Sessions John Cryan summoned Annie Beirne for the trespass of four cows on his meadow land on the 5th of October. He demanded trespass but got abuse instead. It was the one cow that trespassed four times and he only gave her up once. A decree for 1s with 2 s costs was granted.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 8 19 Dec 1896 p3 Boyle Board of Guardians - More work for the undertaker The constabulary of Keash reported that a dog belonging to Pat Burke of Knocklough had got rabid, and entering the house of Mary Cryan, of Lurgan, bit two dogs, which were destroyed. Burke's dog followed suit, and was certified rabid by Mr Watson V.S.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 9 15 May 1897 p2 Trespass James Beirne of Ardmoyle summoned T. Cryan for the trespass of a pig on the 27 April. He deposed that he gave the pig up to his sister, and demanded trespass. Cryan - He never gave the pig up to me, your worship Mr Bull - We give a decree for 6d and 2s costs.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 10 4th August 1889 Typed by Lauri Cryan Sad Death of a Young Carrick Man (From our correspondent) Patrick Cryan, the young man who three weeks ago, met with such a melancholy accident when passing the demesne of Mr Guy Lloyd, D.L. died on Wednesday evening at his parents' residence, Carrick. The deceased was suffering from concussion of the brain caused by the falling of a branch of a tree during the late storm, and was under the care of Dr. Kiernan, and was progressing favourably until he became convulsed and died rather suddenly. Much regret is felt at his premature death, as the deceased was a great favourite. On Friday his remains were interred in Kiltoghert.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 11 5th July 1890 Typed by Lauri Cryan Death of Master Luke Cryan (From our Correspondent) It would seem incredible, but yet it is a reality, that that jovial youth in his teens is now stilled in death. His ever beaming countenance and genial disposition had endeared him to his companions in Carrick-on-Shannon, where he spent the major portion of is brief span of life. After a short illness, he succumbed at his parent's residence, Carrowreagh, on Monday, June 23rd, at the age of 17 years. The deepest sympathy is felt for his afflicted relatives, and to his esteemed Father, John Cryan, Esq., P.L.G., we tender our condolence in his hour of affliction - R.I.P.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 12 8/4/1891 The Bogus Prosecution of the Drumshambo Rowdies in Carrick The secret alliance that exists between Parnell and Balfour was made clear to all men by the transactions in Carrick on Saturday last. The Drumshambo Rowdies who led the attack on the Nationalist meeting last February in Carrick, were put on their trial for riot in a Crimes Act court before Removables Paul and Preston. […] At the sitting of the Coercion Court, after some mysterious “colloguings” between the solicitors, it was announced that the Crown had withdrawn the prosecutions against R. J. Cryan, and James McDermott, jun., tailor, Carrick, and John McManus, rate collector, Drumshambo. […]
Roscommon Herald Articles No 13 19 April 1902 The Auxilliaries The next matter under consideration of the affiliation of Cloonloo and Carrowcrory auxiliaries with the Boyle Society. […] The experts of the Irish Agricultural Organization Society, Mr Horace Plunkett and Father Finlay, were in favour of the establishment of the auxiliaries. Mr Cryan said he had come there on behalf of the Carrowcrory auxiliary. He even advised the Carrowcrory shareholders not to come to this meeting as shareholders at all, although he believed they got notice to attend. He told them not to attend as it would cause friction. Chairman - That is a wrong opinion. Mr Cryan said from experience at the last meeting it would come to something like it. They came prepared to pay their own expenses, and if required would pay for their house and machinery. They only wanted co-operation. They were prepared to do their part if the Boyle Society did theirs. Mr McManamy - I think I can speak for the Cloonloo shareholders, and I say we are prepared to pay for our house and machinery. The chairman asked how may cows they could guarantee from Carrowcrory. Mr Cryan - Unfortunately I did not come exactly prepared. Chairman - Would you have 200? Mr Cryan - We could have 500 cows. We have 300 at the present time. Mr McManamy said he could endorse every word of what Mr Cryan had said with regard to the expense of getting up the house and machinery. He defied any man prove that their expenses will be £3 a week. […]
Roscommon Herald Articles No 14 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing January 30 1892 Cloonfinlough to the Front Mr Michael Carley, Cloonfinlough, processed Michael Cryan, of the same place, for trespass amounting to £6 regarding a disputed portion of bog. Mr McDonnell was for the plaintiff, and Mr Joseph Burke, B.L. defended. Mr Hanley, surveyor, produced the map, and gave evidence as to the survey. Here Mr McDonnell drew attention to Cryan, who looking daggers at the surveyor. Carley examined by Mr McDonnell - My father before me was using this piece of bog. I had it in tillage three years. Mr Holmes, the agent, told the bailiff to allow me till the cut-away. The third year all the "splits" were turn up. The Head Constable came out, and Cryan said it was he dug up "the spuds". The same year Cryan's son pulled up the stalks, and he was fined before the magistrates. They appealed, and it was not heard since. I lost about 30 cwt of potatoes. To Mr Burke - I am tenant to the landlord of that portion. I did not put that piece in the courts to have a fair rent fixed. I had the title of it, and Cryan never paid rent for it. I had the bog, in addition to my land. I put about a hundred ass loads of manure on that bog. I was put to jail a long time ago over a dispute regarding that bog. Cryan ("sotto voce") - And his father and his mother (laughter). Mr McDonnell - Mr Cryan won't deny that himself was in jail. It is the case of many a good man. Mr Burke interrupted. Mr McDonnell - Will you sit down, Mr Burke, you are like a man with a bee in your -- well, somewhere (laughter). Mr McDonnell said his throat was sore today, and he would not talk. Mr Burke sat down. Cold water was strong today. John Elwood, who was served with a subpoena did not appear. His Lordship fined Elwood £1. Jane Carley deposed in reply to Mr McDonnell, that she was in occupation of the place twenty three years. Mr Byrne, the bailiff, gave evidence in favour of Carley. To his Lordship - I know what those fools are fighting about. It is not worth their dinner. I gave permission to Carley from Mr Holmes to till part of this bog. Pat Barry deposed in reply to Mr McDonnell that the bog was worth twopence a year. Cryan never used this bog before Carley, and he had crops on it three years. His Lordship did not proceed further with the case.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 15 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing March 30 1895 The Old Woman and the Young Man Catherine Walsh summoned a respectable looking man named James Cryan for having assaulted her. Cryan had a cross-case against Catherine for a like reason. The parties live near Boyle on the Doon side. Catherine deposed that on last Monday week Cryan went into her garden and assaulted her by throwing her to the ground. They had words about hay, and after throwing her Cryan took the hay away. A brother of Cryan's came in at the end and beseeched them to make peace. Cryan - How often did you strike me with the stick? Catherine - Ah, about twenty times I believe (laughter). How often did you strike me with stones? Ah, go long out of that, you and the stones (laughter). Didn't you throw stones at me? - Sure an ould woman like me couldn't be a little boy like you (laughter). Mr Bull - Did you strike him with the stick? Catherine - I did. Mr Bull -Was that before or after he threw you? - After. Cryan - Did you know that I had that hay from your son? - No. Mr Bull said the court would be quite right in protecting the woman, but they could not allow her to strike a man with a stick. Mr Gillespie asked Catherine if she had any witnesses. Catherine - Ah, sorra witness. It was his brother came into the garden. Cryan - Her own cousin was there. John Cryan, brother of the defendant, deposed, amid comical ejaculations from Catherine, that when he and his brother went to take the hay, which they had authority to do, Catherine struck the defendant several times with a stick. Catherine - What are you going down there at all for? What claim have you? Defendant deposed that at the time plaintiff's son got married to his sister, he gave him authority to take the hay. He had a letter from her son to that defect. He (defendant) would not strike an old woman like the plaintiff. Mr Bull said that if they were satisfied that Cryan assaulted the woman in the first instance they would send him to jail - Catherine - He wants that (laughter). Mr Bull -For a month. But she assaulted first, and both cases were dismissed.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 16 30 March 1895 Transfer of License Mr John Cryan applied for the transfer of the license held by Mr F.R. Phillips, Bridge St, Boyle. Mr Gillespie explained that Mr Cryan had Mr McDermot, solicitor, employed but that gentleman was absent. Mr Michael Cunningham, T.C. said he had all the documents in connection with the sale of the house to Mr Cryan, which sale he as an auctioneer had executed. On Mr McDermot's return the assignment would be completed. Mr Bull - Is he in possession of the premises? Mr Cunningham - Virtually. He has paid the money. In reply to Mr Bull, Mr Cryan said he desired to carry on the spirit trade in Mr Phillips premises. Mr Bull - I was under the impression that you were taking Mr O'Connor's house. Mr Cunningham - No. Mahon's house. He expended a large sum of money on that place, but, of course, he will have to forego it. Mr Bull - Very well, the bench are unanimous in granting the license till the June Quarter Sessions. A few unimportant drunkenness cases having been disposed of, their worships rose.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 17 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing Saturday July 27, 1895 Alleged Abusing A Woman Mrs Bridget Cryan, the Crescent, summoned James Quinn, a neighbour, for using abusive language towards her. There was a cross-summons for a like offence. Plaintiff stated that Quinn gave her the height of scandal. He said he would walk on her, called her a rogue, and said her husband was a rotten soldier. She had to bring him up before for his conduct. Mr Bull - What is the cause of this? Quinn - It is all politics, sir (laughter). Plaintiff - I never spoke to him for the last three years, since I got him bound to the peace --- Quinn - You and your husband only summon at election times. I deny the charge. Mr Bull - Have you any questions to ask her? Quinn - I have (to plaintiff) - On your oath did you not say on the 18th that "the Parnellites" and the "big-headed man" (laughter) were landed? -On my oath I did not, and I can call a gentleman who witnessed your conduct. Mrs Ellen Doherty deposed to hearing Quinn say he would walk on Mrs Cryan, who never answered him. Quinn was always at her (witness) as well as Mrs Cryan. Quinn - Didn't this woman send you to abuse me? Witness - Never. Quinn - She did, and especially since the last General Election they would not allow a cart of turf turn up to my door. I never spoke to this woman or her husband by night and day since the last General Election. Mr Bull - She says you did more than abuse her. Quinn - Well, I did not. Martin Doherty was called for the plaintiff. He said he was passing by the scene of the row when Mrs Cryan called him to witness the affair. He only heard Mr Quinn say he would not be walked upon. Plaintiff said Mr Powell, of the bank, witnessed the defendant's conduct. Richard Fairbanks was also called in support of Mrs Cryan. He thought it was only an ordinary scolding match between the two (laughter). He heard Quinn call plaintiff a rogue. Plaintiff - On your oath did you hear me answering him? - I did. They were both abusing each other. The cross-case was then gone into. Quinn deposed that on the evening of the 18th - the nomination day for North Roscommon - Mrs Cryan and Mary Doherty came out and abused him. On the morning of that evening he was at the rent-office complaining that they would not allow a cart be brought to his door. She said --"the big-headed Orangeman is landed" (laughter) and "priest-hunter." Previous to that she sent her son, of something about five years, after him to call him the same thing. Mr Bull - How do you know whether she did or not? Quinn - I saw her telling him. She is trying to corrupt me and break my vote since the last General Election (a laugh). Mrs Cryan - He has a gun in the place, and he said he would blow my brains out. Corporal Cryan then ascended the table. Quinn - This man goes around the town with his pamphlets trying to induce people to vote for --- Mr Bull - Why would he not do that? He has a perfect right to do it. Corporal Cryan, not being present at the scene which gave rise to the summons was not present. Patrick Casey deposed to hearing Mr Quinn say he would not be tramped upon. He could not say that Mrs Cryan was speaking to him. Quinn - The object is - to get me bound to the peace, the way I would be disenfranchised (laughter). Mr Bull - Ah, that is nonsense. You both seem to have been abusing each other. So I dismiss the case. Go about your business (laughter). The other cases before the court were adjourned for the attendance of solicitors.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 18 Thanks to Judy for the typing April 11 1891 The prosecution of the Drumshambo rowdies in Carrick On last Friday a Crimes Act Court was held at Carrick-on-Shannon before Mr. Paul, R.M., and Capt. Preston, R.M., to dispose of the charge of riot against Paddy McManus, Corney McManus and John McManus of Drumshanbo and Robert J. Cryan and James McDermott, Jr. of Carrick, the ringleaders in the attack on the Nationalist meeting there on the 22ndFeb. last. Mr. Friery, solicitor, Dublin, appeared for John McManus, Mr. Slacke, solicitor for Paddy and Corny McManus and Mr. Bergin for Cryan and McDermott. Mr. Morphy, B.L., instructed by Mr. Croker, S.C.S., prosecuted. The prosecution was practically a farce, the police witnesses called being the men who managed to see nothing on the occasion. Sergeant Daniel O Mara of Carrick was the first witness. He saw Paddy McManus coming into town that day at the head of about 40 men with sticks. They were joined by about a 100 in Carrick, and paraded the town carrying a portrait of Parnell. They were cheering and above the din he heard Paddy McManus shouting they would put an end to Whiggery in Carrick. He saw the Ballinamore contingent coming, and the drumstick pulled from one of them. Father Donohoe led the Mohill people, and he saw a conflict with sticks and stone throwing. He could not say were Paddy and John McManus there then, but he saw them go towards the direction of the conflict. There were about 20 people on the platform, and Mr. Jasper Tully was amongst them. He saw Corny McManus shouting and groaning and winding a big stick over his head, and afterwards chasing a man into Mrs. Owen McDermotts. When Canon Hoare was speaking, some one on the platform said "Kitty O'Shea." Paddy McManus shouted " Not another word" and then in the din of the confusion set up again. He saw McDermott, Cryan, and the McManus's at the breaking up of the platform, and their conduct was bad. The priests then held the meeting in the chapel-yard, and the Drumshambo people brought down Parnell's banner, and placed it before the chapel door and commenced groaning, shouting and whistling. The Drumshambo people were not the only Parnellites. Mr. Bergin said the Carrick Parnellites could have swept the town if they wished. MR. FRIERY: Did you consider the reterence to Mrs. O'Shea by the seceders an insult to Mr. Parnell or his followers? WITNESS: Well, they took it as an insult. Constable Irwin proved that Robert Cryan was waving his hat and cheering for Parnell when Canon Hoare was trying to speak. There was a man named Hunt from Boyle very prominent there that day. Constable James Fitzgerald swore he saw the McManuss do nothing but cheer and shout. They cheered for Parnell. He saw an ordinary stick with Corny McManus. He did not see Cryan and McDermott do anything but cheer. To Mr. Paul I saw the Drumshanbo men strike the people. Constable Robert Shaw disposed that he saw the McManuss take part in scuffling at the platform. Constable George Richardson, Drumshanbo, in his evidence mentioned that he saw the three McManus's, of Drumshanbo, assisting in pulling down the platform. To Mr. Bergin---John McManus is a rate collector , and he gave us a seat. The defendants are all respectable. Constable David Noonan deposed that the man he saw handling Parnell's banner and carrying it with another in front of the chapel door was Pat Malone, of Drumshambo. Thomas Egan, a Parnellite, from Attirory near Carrick, was next examined; He got a black eye that day. Was it through friendship you were struck? - No Is your political opinion known in Carrick? I appeal to the Head Constable (great laughter) Cross examined by Mr. Bergin -I was on Mr. Parnells side that day. (laughter) To Mr. Slacke -I believe it was a McCarthyite who struck me.(laughter) Owen Hunt, Patrick Early, P.L.G., the Very Rev. Canon J. Hoare, P.P.V.F., Carrick-on-Shannon, Rev. F. Donohoe, P.P., Mohill; Jasper Tully, Boyle; Dr. Mulcahy, Coroner, Ballinamore having been called as Crown witnesses. The Court adjourned until Saturday week. Great indignation is felt at the action of the authorities in endeavouring to make prosecutors of the Priests. Father Donohoe's letter in the National Press today has caused great consternation in official quarters, and a copy of this paper has been impounded.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 19 Thanks to Judy for the typing 11th April 1891 Expulsion Of Parnellite Rowdies Mr. J. Mulligan, Co. Secretary, said as the business pertaining to championship was concluded; he wished to say a few words concerning one of their brother members, and it was no other individual than the saintly creature Mr. R.J.Q.W.T.R. Cryan, (laughter) the "honourable" representative of the Carrick-on-Shannon team who had created so much trouble and disunion in the country...the so called ringleader of the recent disgraceful scenes at Carrick. By his means their priests, whom they loved so well, had been warranted by Government authority because they would not appear before Balfour's court to prosecute the rowdies of Carrick and Drumshanbo. They had caused the disturbance at Carrick meeting while District-Inspector Rogers let Irishmen spill one another's blood. It was sought to put the Priests and their flocks at variance. It was misguided men like Cryan who were instrumental in that. Therefore, he now proposed the expulsion of Cryan from the County Council, because by having him amongst them it would be casting a slur and disgrace on them as Gaels and Nationalists. He did not want to be any way bitter towards a man to express his opinions whether Parnellite or Nationalist, but they could not tolerate a man through whose rowdyism their priests, perhaps, may be before many days lodged in Balfour's dungeons. Mr. Peter Mcguire seconded the expulsion of Cryan. CHAIRMAN: that is a resolution concerning politics, and I will not entertain it, it may cause disunion. MR.MULLIGAN: I beg your pardon, Mr. Chairman. You must entertain it. How well politics were, entertained at our last meeting, and there was no objection or disunion. HAIRMAN: Well, I was not chairman. MR.MULLIGAN: You should have attended. As long as the chairman has such quibbling I will resign and you can put Mr. Cryan in my place (no, no) I will never sit with a man like Cryan whose acts are the means of having the men of Mohill, perhaps, to part with their priests for some time (murmurs) The meeting declared strongly against Cryan , and Mr. Mulligan left the room followed by everyman present except the chair and the Cloone representative. Mr. Mulligan's followers again returned to the room when Mr. Michael Murphy, P.L.G., Capt. Fenagh St.Cailins, was moved to the chair. Mr. Mulligan again proposed the expulsion of Cryan which was seconded 'una voce' by eleven Nationalists and warmly endorsed by a ringing cheer from hundreds outside. The chairman Mr. Murphy, P.L.G., said he never had greater pleasure in putting a resolution to a meeting than the present one. The resolution was carried with great enthusiasm.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 20 Thanks to Judy for the typing Saturday, Sept 21 1895 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO QUARTER SESSIONS FOR CERTIFICATE FOR PUBLICAN'S LICENSE TAKE NOTICE that it is my intention to apply at the next general Quarter Sessions, to be held at Boyle, in and for the Division of Boyle, and County of Roscommon, on the 18th day of October next, for a magistrate's certificate to entitle me to receive a Confirmation of the license to sell Beer, Cider, and Spirits, by retail at my dwelling house, situate at Bridge Street, Boyle, in the parish of Boyle, Barony of Boyle and County of Roscommon. Date this 11th day of Sep. 1895, JOHN CRYAN (applicant) P.C.P MacDermot, Solicitor for Applicant, Boyle To R.R. Fry, Esq., J.P; Major Murphy, J.P; W.H. Robinson, Esq.; Clerk of the Crown and Peace, Peace Office, Roscommon; and to C.H. Rafter, Esq., D.I.,R.I.C., Boyle
Roscommon Herald Articles No 21 Thanks to Judy for the typing 21 March 1891 NEWS IN BRIEF: Crimes act summonses have been served on the ringleaders of the Drumshanbo and Carrick rowdies who broke up the Carrick meeting. They are charged with riot and unlawful assembly, and the defendants are Paddy McManus, Corny McManus, John McManus, James McDermott, Drumshanbo, and Robert J. P. Q. Cryan. Paddy McManus is a most arrant coward, because when he was in Kilmainham for a couple of months as a suspect , he signed the most humiliating conditions to get out. A dose of the plank-bed was one of the things he never bargained for when he came out cheering the police and attacking the priests in Carrick. [...]
Roscommon Herald Articles No 22 Thanks to Judy for the typing 16th February 1895 HE FOUGHT AND RAN AWAY James Beirne, Kiltycreighton, summoned a young neighbour named Pat Cryan for having assaulted him on 1st inst. Plaintiff stated that he had been settling with the defendant's uncle about the service of cows, opposite Mr. Clarke's in the Black Lane, when the defendant approached them and said to the uncle "Have nothing to do with that man" whereupon he struck plaintiff on the forehead and ran away. Owen Shannon deposed to seeing the blow struck in the manner described by plaintiff. DEFENDANT: Did you see my uncle go between us and prevent him striking me when he made the rush at me? WITNESS: I did not. I was standing between you both. Michael Horan stated he only heard Beirne say he was struck by Cryan. Cryan had across-case against Beirne for assault. He stated Beirne was only offering his uncle 7s 6d for the service, instead of 16s. He was insisting on the uncle taking the small amount. When he ( Cryan) asked his uncle to come home Beirne said, "What has he got to do with you?" and rushed at him with a stick, aiming a blow at him , and nearly pushing him through Mr. Clarke's window. His uncle said to Beirne that it was a shame to strike the little boy. James Cryan and Michael Tooman gave evidence as to seeing young Cryan get the shove. John O'Rourke was sworn but he could not throw any light on the matter. The bench fined Cryan 5s and costs, and dismissed the cross-case against Beirne. CRYAN: Only for I struck him that night there was a danger of him killing me, because he is a fighting man (laughter) MR. BULL: You appear to be fighting man yourself (a laugh)
Roscommon Herald Articles No 23 Thanks to Ellen for the typing Saturday, Sept 12, 1891 Headline Ballinamore Notes (Co Leitrim) (From our Correspondent) EXCITING What will the Carrick-on- SCENES Shannon rowdy, Parnellites next turn their hand to? This week they appeared in the role of emergencymen. No more trusty fellows could be selected for this purpose (that two masons named Bob V.F.P.X.V.M.Z. Cryan, and a burly-looking fellow named Hayden, who accompanied him from Carrick. The latter's Christian name is either James or John, but lest I should make an unintentional mistake and inflict unnecessary pain on any Carrick person, I will attempt a little personal description of this Hayden. He is tall and dark complexioned with a wild black moustache and lantern jaws and a prominent set of teeth and lips which bear evidence of frequent contact with porter. These worthy tools of rowdy Paddy McManus were on Monday engaged near Newtowngore - a village about three miles from here - in levelling an evicted tenant's house under the superintendence of Cryan's father. The people of the locality, who were already incensed against them for the Carrick infamy, soon made the district a veritable frying pan for them with the result that these Carrick Parnellite crowbar brigade men soon flew. Surely Nemesis is dogging the footsteps of the plotters and actors of the Carrick outrage!
Roscommon Herald Articles No 24 Thanks to Ellen for the typing Saturday Oct. 1, 1892 ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AND ASSAULT Mr. Michael Cryan, Boyle, summoned Mrs Quinn, wife of James Quinn, carpenter, Ross Lane, for having used abusive language towards him, and also for assaulting his child. The plaintiff, who gave his evidence in a clear and intelligent manner, stated - At about five o'clock on Sunday evening my wife directed my attention to the defendant's scolding. I asked her what was the matter, and she told me that Quinn's wife had upset the child. She was attempting a second assault on the child when I ran to its assistance. Her children were giving us great trouble, so I went out to this woman and told her to control her children. "Go long" said she, "you black sweep; you lunatic." Mrs Quinn - I said you were like a lunatic. Corporal Cryan - There were witnesses a short distance off who heard this woman. I said to my wife - "Don't answer this woman. I'll take her before a magistrate." Her expressions were dreadful, and I have respectable witnesses to prove same. I told her I would not speak to her, but that I would bring her before a magistrate. "Speaking to you, you black sweep," she said. "Go long, you lunatic." Chairman - Then you want me to bind this woman to keep the peace? Mr. Cryan - Well no. I want to get along quietly, as I have always done. Chairman - This is a case of abusive language, and is more for the Town Court than this one. Mr. Quinn here began to tell a story. Chairman - You must ask questions. Mrs Quinn (to Mr. Cryan) - Didn't your wife abuse me? Mr. Cryan - I cannot answer that question. Defendant then admitted the use of abusive language. Mary Grehan corroborated plaintiff's statement. Chairman - I suppose it was all about the children? Mary Grehan - Well it was. Mrs Quinn called Mr. Cryan a sweep and a lunatic. Mrs. Quinn - I called him a lunatic because he looked like one when he came out in his shirt sleeves. James Quinn - She did not say he was one. She said he was like one (laughter). Chairman - It was as near a thing as she could say - a distinction without a difference (renewed laughter). Mrs Cryan was examined and stated that Mrs Quinn struck her child on the head, and then when she went to check her for it she called her a "ballad singer." Mr Quinn denied this statement. Chairman - I would recommend you to leave this man and his wife alone. This is a case of riotous and indecent behaviour. The case was dismissed. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Mr Cryan had also a case against James Quinn. Mr Cryan - On yesterday evening my wife sent for me, and when I went to the house, I found her shaking. Quinn had been using very abusive language towards her. I said to Quinn - " On the word of a man, or as a man, should you make use of such language to this woman?" "Go long you b-----r" he said "I would knock the head off you." Mr Cryan went on to state the nature of the abuse towards himself and his wife by Quinn, and during the giving of his evidence was frequently interrupted by Quinn, who was eventually called to order. Mr Cryan - The abuse was so much that I went to Mr Gillespie, C.P.S., and got a warrant, which contained the evidence I am after giving. I am in dread of this man. Chairman - You are taking very strong measures. Quinn - It is a wonder a soldier like you would be afraid of me (laughter). Mr Cryan - If I met you in the discharge of a military duty you would know then, but (addressing the Bench) it would not become me nor would it be wise of me, to have any altercation with this man, as a civilian. Quinn denied the offence, and hurled at Mr Cryan counter charges at random. He said he threatened to strike Cryan when he said he would put him and his wife out of that place. Mr Cryan applied to make another statement. Chairman - Not now. Mr Cryan - Thank you. Michael Connor corroborated Mr Cryan's statement. James McGlynn also gave corroborative evidence, and said nothing could take place on the occasion without his knowledge. Chairman (to defendant) - I will put you under a rule of bail to keep the peace for twelve months, yourself in #10 and two securities in #5 each. Quinn - I think that according to the law he should be bound over, too. Mr Cryan - I did not make use of any abusive language whatever. Quinn - I appeal to the police if ever I broke the peace. Chairman - You appear to have lost your temper. In the cross against Mr Cryan the chairman said - " I refuse to put this man under a rule of bail."
Roscommon Herald Articles No 25 Thanks to Ellen for the typing 16 January 1892 DISPUTE BETWEEN GOSSOONS Michael Cryan summoned Michael Beirne for assaulting him on the road near the Kingsland post office. Beirne had a cross case against Cryan. Mr MacDermot appeared for Beirne. Cryan deposed that he was coming from Kingsland post office. There were three boys, Michael Cryan, John Morris, Peter Campbell on the road. Beirne asked him what was he listening to, and struck him with a stick. He went to Mrs Connaughton's to be washed and Beirne again followed him and cut his lip with a thump. To Mr MacDermot - Myself and my brothers are not on good terms with the Beirnes. We were summoned for trespassing on their lands. I went behind no hedge. I said to Beirne I would stand on the road as long as I liked. There was no bad language used by me. I did not ask Beirne to fight me, because I would not be able for him. I said I would spend two shillings on him for a summons. John Morris was sworn, and he denied that Beirne hit Cryan. Cryan was hit in the bushes. He heard the noise, and thought it was a bird. When they went to look through the bushes, Beirne told Cryan to kiss -----. Witness commenced to gesticulate with his hands. Capt. McTernan - Keep your hands quiet. Mr MacDermot - He is not in the bush now. Don't mind those antics or declaiming. Capt McTernan - I will give Cryan leave to cross-examine this witness, but he will not get much out of him. Mr MacDermot - And he is Cryan's witness. Capt McTernan - He is also your witness. Morris who is a young lad, again waved his hands. Capt McTernan - Keep your hands quiet. I wonder you did not use them on the occasion. After hearing more evidence, Capt McTernan dismissed the case without prejudice.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 26 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing 14-2-1891 Leitrim County Committee On last Sunday a meeting of the above was held in Keshcarrigan for the purpose of drawing the first ties for the county championship. The following members attended: ‹Owen Gray, Gorvagh Brian Borus; Edward Mealia, Kiltubride Redmonds; Pat Flynn, Ballinamore Oughtrough Wolfe Tones; John Ward, Annaduff Parnellites; Francis Short, Cloone O’Connell’s; Pat Reynolds, Kiltubride Davitts; Hugh Reynolds, Mohill Faugh-a-Ballaghs; Robert Cryan, Carrick Emmets; J.J. Kelleher, Bornacoola Hugh O'Neills; John Flynn, Eslin Sarsfields; John Gray, Gorlettera Campaigners; John Reynolds, Co. Treasurer; and J.J. Mulligan, Co Secretary. As the chairman, Mr Murphy, was absent again, Mr Patt Flynn, Ballinamore, presided. The minutes of last meeting were read by the secretary, and as he was leaving the book before the chairman to sign, Mr Cryan, from Carrick, objected, and proposed that the resolution passed at last meeting in Mohill against Mr Parnell be rescinded, and resolution instead passed at this meeting in favour of him, which was seconded by Mr Ward, Annaduff. Mr Mulligan objected, and called on the chairman not to entertain it, as it was illegal to do so without giving notice, and if Mr Cryan wanted to do so, by all means let him give notice on today that the resolution against the fallen leader be rescinded at next meeting. Mr Cryan - No, it will divided on today. We came here to transact the business of the county, and it is our duty to rescind that uncalled-for resolution against Mr Parnell who did so much for the people. Mr Mulligan‹When you thought so much about Mr Parnell why did you Not come to the meeting in Mohill, and stand by him? Mr Cryan - We were not affiliated at that time. Mr Mulligan - Well, it seems you did not think much of him or you would pay 10s in order to gain the victory. Mr Cryan - It was a hole-and-corner meeting you held when you passed that resolution. Mr Mulligan - It's wrong. Each member whose club was affiliated got due notice, and I call on the members present if any one can say they did not get notice, and besides it appeared in the HERALD to give such men as you a chance to come forward. Mr Cryan again called on the chairman to put it to the meeting. Mr Flynn maintained that Mr Cryan was out of order in introducing the matter before the meeting. We came here to draw the first ties for the county championship and arrange for kicking off the ties, and not for discussing politics. When politics were introduced to be discussed relative to Mr Parnell's leadership at the last meeting, you, Mr Cryan put in no appearance., but now you come at the eleventh hour to upset what the Co Committee has done in the past. He has asked the chairman several times to put his motion before the meeting, and the chairperson explained to him very fairly his reason for not doing so, and still Mr Cryan wants to make one end of his tongue a liar of the other. Chairman‹Now, gentlemen, I would rather you, Mr Cryan, would not press on me to do so, and my reason is this because I believe in the course of a few days this difference that has risen in the ranks of the Irish Party will be settled, and it is our duty to keep silent until such time as they do so. For myself I am in favour of Mr Parnell, but for peace sake I would much rather keep silent at present, because it does not matter a pin what we do in the matter. It will be abler men that will settle this affair. I got notice from Mr Mulligan to attend the last meeting, but unfortunately could not, and if I had been there I would have given my vote for Mr Parnell. I don't deny it, and I wrote to Mr Mulligan to that effect, but it seems my note was not a vote. However, when things have happened as they did, I would much rather we would keep silent for the further. Mr Cryan - I press on you, Mr Chairman, to put my motion before the meeting and it will settle it at once. Mr Mulligan again objected, and called on the chairman not to entertain it. Chairman‹I will vacate my seat, and let some other chairman conduct the business. Mr Cryan - No, you will not; you are an independent chairman, and why not do your duty? Mr Flynn‹I propose that Mr Cryan is out of order for introducing the matter before the meeting. Mr Kelleher seconded Mr Flynn's proposition. Several members‹It is just the same. It is the same voting. Mr Flynn - No, for I know the reason Mr Cryan introduces the matter, because I cannot take part in the vote or my friend, Mr Kelleher, for we must leave while it is going on. According to my position I cannot take part, and if I was aware that such would be before the meeting, there would be a delegate in my place here, as there was on the last occasion. Mr Cryan - Oh, Mr Flynn, you will not boss us that way. The Gaels of Leitrim are not going to be voiced as they were at the last meeting. Here Mr Ward wheeled about in a tiger's rage ready to devour, and immediately turned his back to the meeting, and he addressing them. The sec. Called on Mr Ward to control his temper and manners too, and told him not to be impertinent, for he and Mr Cryan had disturbed the meeting, and seemingly came for that purpose. When Mr Ward got notice to attend he acted the coward. Mr Cryan pressed his motion. Mr Flynn told him he was a disturber, and a man like him was coming into their ranks at the eleventh hour, and raising disunion between members that worked together from the start of the association in friendship. They should not be divided by men like Mr Cryan, and if his strength was according to his ability such as it is, he would not call the Grand Old Man his cousin (great laughter). Mr Cryan‹I was in the ranks as soon as you, Mr Flynn. Mr Flynn‹Well, you were early so, for I think I was the first to put a start on the movement in Leitrim, and I always observed the rules and caused no disunion or discord among my brother Gaels. Mr Cryan again pressed on the chairman to put his motion before the meeting. Mr Mulligan proposed that the resolution passed in Mohill against the leadership be upheld. Mr John Reynolds, Co treasurer, seconded the proposition, and said it was uncalled for to see men like Mr Cryan or Mr Ward, that had not the pluck of Irishmen when called on at the special meeting, to come forward and give their opinions, but now they saw that they had an opportunity, which they would not if notice were given - of rescinding the resolution, but there would be as before two to one against the man that fell by his own acts. He always supported Mr Parnell’s views and his followers, and never kept a clenched fist against the calls of Nationality when those that are now supporting him were behind time. As the vote was going to be taken, Mr Flynn and Mr Kelleher had to leave, but thanks to the "Hugh O'Neills," they had a man to take the place of Mr Kelleher, if politics would be introduced. Mr Cryan called for all that loved Parnell to come to his side. Mr Mulligan called for all that loved faith and fatherland and a spotless leader to come on his side. For Mr Cryan's motion there voted - Ward, Gray, Campaigners, Short and Cryan. For Mulligan's ‹Reynolds, Gray, Brian Borus, Reynolds, Hugh O'Neills, and Mulligan. The chairman declined to give his vote although called on by the Parnellites. The anti-Parnellites cheered "Bravo, chairman, may your name for ever shine!" So Mr Cryan’s motion was blocked, and the Leitrim Gaels are still anti-Parnellites. Mr Mealia and Mr Reynolds, Kiltubride, did not vote, and Mr Hugh Reynolds, Mohill, said on account of his not voting before he would not vote now.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 27 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing 8-2-1902 Boyle Teachers' Association The usual monthly meeting was held at the courthouse on Saturday 25th January. The following subscriptions were handed in:‹ Mr Gordon, 5s; Mrs Deacon, 3s; Mr O'Rourke, 2s.6d. Miss Martin, Messrs Barnes, McLoughlin, Beirne, Kenny, Cassidy, Nangle, McDermott, Graham, 1s.6d each. Mrs Boylan, and Mr Kenny paid 2s.6d each towards the O'Donnell fund since last acknowledgement. The nominations for C.E. for the year 1902 are ‹ Clarke, Central Secretary; Hegarty, President; Moore, Treasurer, and Nangle and McGettrick, Connaught representatives. The outgoing officers tendered their resignation and were re-elected. The following resolutions were passed‹ (1) - "That the meetings of this Association for the current year be held on the thirds Saturdays of April, July and October, and that no further intimation of date of meetings be given to members except notice in Class Journals; (2) - "That Mr J McDermott be admitted a member of the Association. (3) - That we deeply sympathise with Mr Cryan and family of Croghan, on the premature death of Mr John Cryan." - E.J. Kenny , P.J. Beirne, secs.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 28 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing 24-11-1894 The Daring Robberies in Boyle An Adventurous Youth. - Returned for Trial Roscommon Herald, Saturday, November 24, 1894 (excerpts) On Wednesday, Mr R.G. Bull, R.M., sat in Boyle courthouse and held an investigation into the charges of robbery of a bicycle, bulgariously entering the house of Mr John Cahill, Elphin Street, Boyle, and taking there from a pair of boots, of entering in a similar manner the house of Mr James Candon, Bank Lane, Boyle, and stealing there from a sum of money, preferred against Thomas Lavin, Carricknahornia. .......................... Martin Cryan, publican and farmer, Carrowrea, Co Sligo, deposed to the body portion of the bicycle being left at his house by last witness. Sergeant Lynch took it away. Acting Sergeant Lynch, Keash, deposed‹On the 6th inst. I received information that a portion of a bicycle was at Cryan's house, whither I went and got a wheel and the body of the bicycle, including the chain, now produced. On the 8th inst. I obtained one wheel, saddle, pouch, handles and other parts from Patrick Henry, of Carrowcrory. On the 9th I received screws. On the 10th I received handles, brake, mudguard and pedal. I brought all to the police barrack and produce them now. ...................... Martin Cryan, Carrowrea, gave evidence as to Lavin going to his house at about 10.8 on Sunday morning, the 4th inst. That was about five Irish miles from Boyle. Lavin asked for a post-car. Witness said he could not supply one just then, but if he waited till after Mass he could supply him. Lavin waited till then and was supplied with a car. He gave him coppers to the amount of £2.9s or £2.12s, and witness gave him a half sovereign and the rest in silver in exchange.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 29 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing 28-5-1898 SELLING DRINK TO A DRUNKEN MAN District Inspector Rafter charged Mr Michael Lydon, Chapel Street, Boyle, with supplying drink to a man who was under the influence, named Luke Hannon on the night of the 9th May. Hannon was summoned for being drunk. Mr MacDermot appeared for Mr Lydon. Constable Gibbons deposed that on the 9th May he was passing by Mr Lydon's public house when he noticed Hannon in the shop with a lot of other people. He was drunk at the time. Subsequently he saw him out of the street staggering about, and again after some time observed him going into Mr Lydon's shop. As he was passing he saw Hannon with a glass in his hand which contained some rum hot. He asked Mr Lydon why did he supply him with it, and he said he did not, and would not supply drink to any man in that state. Cross-examined by Mr MacDermot‹Do you know that Mr Lydon is one of the most respectable publicans in town? ‹Yes: he keeps a most respectable house. There was a woman in the shop who said she gave the rum to him, but subsequently an old man got up and said he gave it to him. When you saw him coming out on the street, why did you not arrest him? ‹It was discretionary with me. He was not incapable. Mr John Lydon deposed that it was fair day, and the shop was crowded, and he did not see the man. He supplied James Cryan and Pat Cryan with two halves of rum hot but did not see Hannon there until the constable pointed him out to him. Mr MacDermot‹Did you see Hannon with the glass? No: I saw the constable with the glass. It contained one of the two halves I served to the two men. James Cryan deposed he and Pat Cryan went into Mr Lydon's on the fair day to have a drink. They called for two halves of rum hot, and while they had the drink before them Phil Hannon came into the shop. Pat Cryan handed his glass to Hannon to have a drink, and he had it in his hand when the police came in and I took it from him. He had not taken anything out of it when the two policemen came in. Pat Cryan gave corroborative evidence. The bench dismissed the case.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 30 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing 9 April 1898 A Hard Case The following was read:‹ "Gentlemen,‹I have received an application from the Master of the Workhouse stating that he was directed by your Board to apply to me for 14s for maintenance of my father, John Crann, from 23rd September to 6th December 1897. I beg to state that I am a very poor man, having to support my wife and five small children on six acres of poor, rushy land, and am greatly distressed this year owing to the failure of my potatoes. In fact I had none for the past two years, and only for the goodness of the shopkeepers of Boyle in giving me credit from time to time to support myself and my weak young family, themselves and myself would be another burden on the rate of the Union. I kept my father for nine years, and if he will come and live with me again, I will do my best to keep him, but I have not a shilling to pay the Board for his keep, and can't do so unless I starve my children. Hoping you will take my distressed condition into your kind consideration. ‹ I am, your obedient servant, Darby Crann. Clerk‹He is certainly very poor. Mr J Mullany‹Oh, Mr Priest will approve of it. Mr Priest ‹I suppose it will be a Union charge (laughter). Chairman‹Oh, it is a divisional charge now. Clerk‹It will be a Union charge next year. Mr Priest‹I got a hard trimming the last time. I must look up and cannot be too lenient (laughter). Chairman‹You my lose the one vote next time (laughter). Mr Priest‹A burned child dreads the fire (laughter). The matter dropped.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 31 Thanks to Pat Hunt for the typing 14 May 1898 Licensing Case Mr CH Rafter D.I. Boyle, prosecuted Mr John Priest, Chapel Street, Boyle, for an offence against the Licensing Act. Constable WJ Higgins deposed in reply to Mr Rafter‹On the night of the 26th April I was on duty with Constable McGarry at about 11.35 p.m. Our attention was attracted to the licensed premises of Mr Priest. I saw light in the shop. We knocked and entered, and found Michael Horan and Edward Cryan sitting beside the kitchen fire. There were four glasses containing traces of liquor on the table beside them. Mr Jones‹Where do they live? Constable Higgins‹In Boyle. Mr Rafter‹Did you question Mr Priest? Constable Higgins‹I did and he said they were servants of his and he told me to do my best. He said they were putting on a lock for him. He invited them in for a drink. Mr Jones‹Did you see any sign of a lock? ‹I did not. Constable McGarry asked Cryan when did he become a tradesman as he was a schoolteacher formerly and Mr Priest replied that he was now trying to earn his living. Cross-examined‹I was listening about ten minutes before I went in. I did not hear any noise or sounds of drinking before I went in. We were not kept at the door an unreasonable time. I am stationed thirteen months in Boyle. Mr Priest's house is fairly conducted. I know Mr Priest is building a new house. I know these men are in his employment. Constable McGarry corroborated Constable Higgins' evidence. Mr John Priest deposed‹These men are in my employment. That night they were putting up a lock for me in the new house. They worked until a late hour. I brought them over to my house about half past nine o'clock, and asked them what would they have. Edward Cryan said he would love a glass of porter, and Michael Horan had some wine. I kept these men in conversation until the constables entered. I swear positively that I gave those men the drink myself. I did not make any attempt to conceal anything. Those two men are in my employment. Mr Rafter‹How do you account for the four glasses? Mr Priest‹It was other customers who where drinking, and left them on the table. Mr Rafter‹Did you tell the police these men were your servants? Mr Priest‹To the best of my opinion I told them they were in my employment. Michael Horan deposed‹I am a carpenter and working for Mr Priest. I am in receipt of [...] from week to week. I have the pledge against whiskey and porter. I took it from the nuns. Mr Jones‹What is the substance of your pledge? Horan‹I took it against intoxicating liquor. Mr Jones‹Do you call port wine intoxicating liquor? Horan‹Wine is not much harm. We had finished putting on the lock at half past nine o'clock. Mr Priest invited us into the kitchen. I did not order a drink of any kind or pay for any. Edward Cryan deposed‹I remember going into Mr Priest's house that evening. It was on Mr Priest's invitation. Mr Priest asked me what would I have and I said I would have a glass of porter. I did not pay for the drink. I paid for a drink for a man for a man named Regan. It was a pint of porter he took. After reviewing the evidence, the bench imposed a fine of [...]s and costs. .]
Roscommon Herald Articles No 32 Thanks to Ellen Herron for the typing 8/8/1896 He Juged [Judged] by Touch Michael Crean, Fairymount, near Castlerea, came to Boyle on Friday week last to attend the Fair on the following day. He took lodgings in Chapel Street and retired to rest somewhat earlier than the majority of dealing men. He threw his clothes somewhere, or anywhere, on the bedroom furniture and went comfortably to sleep. He slept soundly for several hours and then awoke to find that the room was crowded with an accession of cattle buyers who had come to the fair. This did not disconcert him, but he got up quickly, picked up a trousers from a pyramid of clothing piled on the floor in careless confusion. Having donned the trousers he sauntered out to judge if the weather for the fair was going to be fine. While outside he missed from his trousers' pocket 4 pounds, 2 shillings, which he had pinned there before retiring to bed. He immediately became excited, re-entered the house and made things lively for the inmates alleging that his money had been stolen. After venting his anger, he proceeded to the police station and made a complaint about the loss of his money. Sergeant Lennon and Acting-Sergeant Cowan proceeded to the lodgings, accompanied by Crean, who, on a light being produced, exclaimed that he had put on the wrong trousers. He relied on the touch of the texture in the dark and made a mistake. Of course his own trousers was where he left it, and his money perfectly safe.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 33 Thanks to Ellen Herron for the typing 15 August 1896 TRESPASSING ON AN EVICTED FARM Patrick Cryan, Ballinultha, was summoned by the Trustees of the Rockingham Estate for allowing cattle, his property, to trespass on an evicted arm adjoining his holding on the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th August. Patrick Rourke was examined and stated he was formerly tenant of the holding respecting which the complaint was made. He was evicted out of it, but had since been in occupation of it as a caretaker. Since he was evicted, the defendant's cattle have been trespassing on the holding almost every day. The defendant told him that he (witness) had no claim on the holding. On the dates mentioned, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th August, he found the defendant's cattle trespassing on the farm. Defendant - Did I not make new mearings? Rourke - You made them on your own land. Defendant - I made my fences but this man (Rourke) never made the slightest attempt to fence his land. For the past three years, he never put a stone upon the fence. Mr. Robinson - This man (the defendant) merely wants cheap grazing on the evicted farm. Defendant - We divided these mearings two years ago and I made mine. If he had made the fences, the cattle could not trespass. Mr. Robinson - I could now apply for an order to compel this man to make the fences. Mr. Bull announced that the defendant would have to pay a compensation, amounting in all to 26 shillings for the trespass of the cattle on the four days mentioned in the case.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 34 Thanks to Ellen Herron for the typing 17 Oct 1896 ASSAULT John Farrell of Knockalaghta, summoned John Cryan, Catherine Cryan and Pat Cryan, of same place for assaulting him on the 3rd of October. Mr. Scroope appeared for complainant. John Farrell deposed - On the 3rd of October, I was putting in hay for Mr. Cotton, at Knockalaghta. John Cryan came up to me. He had a hay fork in his hand. He made several attempts with it at me. I made for Paul Hanly's house. Mrs. Cryan caught a hold of me to hold me for her husband and son. They caught me going in the door; they would kill me only for Mr. Hanly, and Mrs. Cryan scraped my face. To Capt. McTernan - I do not know what was the cause of the row. Mr. Paul Hanly deposed - I remember the 3rd of October. Farrell rushed to my door. I was in the act of eating my dinner. There was a crowd outside. I separated them as well as I could. I could not recognise what they did to complainant, I was so excited. I did my best to "quell the riot." To Capt McTernan - I did not hear of any cause for the row. I heard they said the night before they would murder the complainant. Capt McTernan - Where do you bury your dead down there? (laughter) Pat Cryan (defendant) stated - My father told John Farrell to bring on the butts of hay, and not be giving them to Paul Hanly - that he wanted to head the "cocks" with them. He also called my mother a "pig" and a "trough." Capt McTernan - It is a row in a teacup. Pat Hanly deposed - I remember the day in question. There were three of us on a cart of "butts." I went up on the load with Farrell. Higgins was bringing the "butts" to Hanly. J. Cryan came on with a fork. He told Farrell to come down off the load. John Cryan struck the horse. Farrell would not come down. Mrs. Cryan came up. They chased Farrell. I heard Farrell call Mrs. Cryan a bag of dirt. Captain McTernan - It was a miserable wrangle to bring up. Each of the defendants is fined 2s and 5s costs.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 35 Thanks to Ellen Herron for the typing Oct 31 1896 A BRIDE AND HER FORTUNE Mary Cryan, Mullinabreena, Tubbercurry, sued John Grady, "Powellsboro,' for 16 pounds - 10 s, the value of a heifer, 5 pounds for a promissory note and 1 pound for interest. Mr. Godfrey Fetherston-haugh, B.L., appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Fitzgerald for the defendant. Mary Cryan swore to the debt being due, and in cross-examination by Mr. Fetherstone-haugh, said - Grady went to England after his marriage with my sister. I remained living in the house for five years with his wife. Grady helped to put a crop in the land the first year, and her father, of course, got his share of it. So did Grady, who stopped for eleven weeks in the house: His wife was her sister. The one year he came home, he got his share of the crop, but none for the other four. He sent home 1 pound the first year. He brought an ejectment against witness, who held possession till last July assizes. Her father had a cow and a heifer at the time, five years ago, which he sold. Mr. Fetherston-haugh said Grady got no consideration on his marriage into this small holding. These people repented for allowing their daughter to marry him. Mary Cryan was to give up all claims to the place on getting 5 pounds and a heifer, and Grady was to get it under the agreement produced. The Cryans, however, took possession, and kept him out for four years 'ei et armis' [?] until he got them ejected by a decree of the Judge of Assize. Grady said he married a daughter of John Cryan in 1892. There was an agreement on the occasion of the marriage by which he was to give to Mary Cryan the heifer in his possession and a note of land for 5 pounds. After setting the crop that year, he went to England and returned home on Christmas Eve. He remained there eleven weeks, but did not get a bit of the crop, having to support his wife and himself. He had to go back to England to support himself. It was only in last July he got into the land. After the marriage, he gave a two year old in-calf heifer to Mary Cryan, which she sent to graze. Witness never had the heifer since, for Mary Cryan sold her. The father-in-law is one and a half years dead. Mr. Fetherston-haugh said the agreement reserved a right of sustenance to the old man. His honor said 'prima facie' there was a case against Grady, but there was constructive satisfaction of the claim against him. Mr. Fitzgerald, pointing to a rather haggard matron of uncertain years, asked Grady did he marry this young lady here. Grady - Call her what you like (laughter). Fitzgerald - She is 20 years older than you? Grady - I suppose so. Fitzgerald - You married this snug little farm? Had you any money the year you were married? Grady - I had two good heifers. Fitzgerald -And you expected by marrying this respectable old lady - There she is there for anybody to look at (laughter). How long did you remain there? Grady - Eleven weeks. Fitzgerald - Quite enough for a honeymoon (laughter). Then you went away to England and returned on Christmas Eve? Grady - Yes. Fitzgerald - You stayed a short time then? Grady - I could not stay any longer. Fitzgerald - And eventually you brought an ejectment decree against your own wife, who had to go into the workhouse? Grady - She was only one night in the workhouse, and I am paying for a place for her now. Fitzgerald - Oh, but she is not living with you, you got the farm and your wife is nowhere. Grady - No matter, I have to pay for her. Fitzgerald - Did you give Mary Cryan the heifer? Grady - I did. Fitzgerald - Was it you bought the heifer? Grady - My father bought it with my money. Michael Grady swore he bought a heifer for his son, which Mary Cryan got three days after the son's marriage, and put out on Martin Mullany's land. The heifer was sold at Ballymote September fair by Mary Cryan and her father. His Lordship gave a decree for 5 pounds.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 36 Thanks to Maureen McCourt Nantista for the typing 7 January 1899 An Assault Pat Cryan, Mohill, summoned Bryan Connolly, of the same place, with unlawfully assaulting and beating him. Connolly had a cross-case. Cryan deposed he was going down Mr. Reynolds’s gateway, and Connolly was in holds with an old man whom he did not know. He told him to let the old man go, and when he did Connolly struck him, and they knocked other [sic] down. Connolly afterwards followed him down to the yard, to where he was working, and struck him. To defendant – I did not ask you to fight when you came up. Pat Reynolds deposed about 6 p.m. on the evening of the 22nd, and they were both fighting with other. He thought to make them settle it, but it was no good. Defendant – You were there at the commencement? Witness – No, I was not. The cross-case was then gone into. Connolly was deposed, and swore that he was talking to the old man, and Cryan came up and asked him to fight, and he said he would not. He asked him down the yard, and when they went down, they struck other [sic] but Cryan struck him first. By the chairman – The old man is not here. John Cryan deposed that he was passing down the street, and he saw the two of them in the gateway, and they both got seconders, and he was second for Connolly. Chairman – Tell us about the fight. Connolly – When they went down the road, they made "a shake" at other [sic], and Reynolds made peace. Chairman – You will be each fined 5s., and costs.
Roscommon Herald Articles No 37 Thanks to Maureen McCourt Nantista for the typing 16 December 1899 < |