Australian Chronicle 17th November, 1840 p.2 (abridged)
Winding road Photo: EO’D
To the Editor of the “Freeman’s Journal.”
The Very Rev. Mr. Mathew, being on a visit at Kilcornan, the hospitable mansion of N. Redington., Esq., M.P., administered the total abstinence pledge, on the 21st and 22nd ult. to upwards of eight hundred postulants. Many from the neighbouring parishes of Oranmore, Ballinacourty, Ballinderreen, & c., who lost the opportunity of approaching him while in Galway and Loughrea, took advantage of his propitious visit to Kilcornan. The people of this locality have been extremely fortunate.
At a meeting of the people of the parish of Kilcornan, the Rev. P. McDonagh, P.P., occupying the chair, several resolutions relative to the recent Phoenix Park murders were unanimously adopted. The first, proposed by Rev. H.Skerrett, C.C., and seconded by Mr. Anthony J. Lynch J.P., Lavally, was as follows:-
That we, the priests and people of the parish of Kilcornan, declare our horror and indignation at the twofold murder lately perpetrated in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, and that we ardently hope for the speedy detection of the atrocious wretches who have outraged every feeling of religion and humanity, and endeavoured to bring ruin and discredit upon Ireland and Ireland’s cause.
The second resolution, proposed by Mr. James Burke, and seconded by Mr. Daniel Mullin, Clarenbridge, respectfully and with heartfelt sympathy offered the condolence of the meeting to the families of the murdered men. On the motion of Mr. Thomas Corbett, Killeenan, seconded by Mr. Thomas Niland, The Weir, a resolution was passed expressing deep sympathy with Miss Burke in her great affliction. Miss. Burke, it was stated, had special claims on the sympathy of the parish, inasmuch as that it was from her mother, in conjunction with her cousin, the late Mrs. Redington, Kilcornan, that the mothers of very many families in every direction around received a careful, religious and secular education. A resolution of sympathy with the landlord of the parish, Mr. C. T. Redington, and his family, in the shock they have received, was passed, on the motion of Mr. Timothy Spelman, Killeely, seconded by Mr. Patrick Greavy, Dunkellin.
After the meeting the Kilcornan tenants presented an address of condolence to Mr. Redington. The address was read in presence of Mr. and Miss Redington, and was replied to by the former with evident signs of emotion.
Kilcornan was a 16th century castle of the de Burgo. In the 1830’s the Redington family built a mansion around it and incorporated the old tower in the design. http://clarinbridge.galway-ireland.ie
Irish Examiner 31st December, 1881 p.3
Yesterday the County Galway Hunt was to have its meet at Kilcornan Castle at ten o’clock. Long before that hour horns were sounded in all directions for miles around. As early as nine o’clock no less than five thousand persons had assembled at the entrance gate to the Castle. A pile of stones were placed before the gate, and it was evident by the demeanour of the crowd that the hunt would be stopped at any cost. At ten o’clock Mr. Burton Persse, the master of the hounds, together with several gentlemen and the pack, arrived. The crowd moved in front of the gate.
The master asked what had they against him. A young man stepped forward and said, “No hunting will be allowed until the suspects are released (great cheering). Mr Persse said they could not release them. The young man said they had done their best to bring about coercion. Mr Persse denied that they did. The young man;
“You cannot deny the evidence you gave before the Bessborough Commission.”
Just then fifty soldiers and about seventy policemen, under the command of sub-inspectors and a resident magistrate arrived. The officers had a brief interview with Mr Persse and the young man again came forward and asked,
“Why did you bring police and military?”
Mr.Persse denied having any knowledge of their coming and said that he was always anxious to have the goodwill of the people.
The resident magistrate, addressing the crowd, said if they did no disperse he would give an order to cut them down.
The crowd was about to move when a young man, a stranger to all, rushed and in a loud voice said, “Halt! Death or glory.”
The crowd halted, and two policemen placed him under arrest and threatened to fire. He retorted and said that they would lose their lives or stop the hunt. With a desperate effort he shook off the two policemen, one of them falling over a low wall, and was soon lost in the crowd. All the efforts of the police failed to recapture him.
The huntsmen then rode off in the direction of Oranmore, but were met by another immense crowd, who hooted, groaned, and pelted mud at them. A gentleman was apparently looking for something in his pocket and a report went out that he was searching for his revolver, whereupon sticks and stones were freely flung at him, and he escaped by riding off at full speed. The master was informed if he let the hounds into any of the coverts not one of them would be allowed out alive. A report has just arrived that three gentlemen were more or less injured. In consequence of the opposition to the hunt the following circular has been sent to all the members; Ballinderry, Dec29th Sir, In consequence of the opposition to the hunting on Wednesday at Kilcornan, I am requested by the master of the hounds to call a meeting of the members of the hunt for Saturday next, 31st instant, at the Railway Hotel, Athenry, at two o’clock, where you attendance is particularly requested. Yours truly, J. W. Comyn, Hon. Sec.
The Burren and Beyond 