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Carlow County - Ireland Genealogical Projects (IGP TM)


Young Man Shot Dead
CARLOW

This article appeared in the Irish Independent January 1923


Terrible Co. Carlow Tragedy.

Young Man Shot Dead

On Friday week an appalling tragedy was enacted in the house of Mr. E. S. Maffett, soir.. Thornville, Palatine. Details are lacking, because the inquest adjourned after hearing two witnesses who merely gave formal evidence. But the facts are that Edward Snoddy, aged about 18, formerly of Blackbog, and J. Birmingham, Ke1listown, were fired at in Thornville. Palatine.

Snoddy was shot in the back and Bermingham was shot through the jaw, the bullet entering one side and coining out in the other. After the tragedy Miss Maffett cycled to the Carlow Military Barracks to give word and she came back in the lorry with the military, who conveyed the dead body of Snoddy to the barracks, and also the wounded man to the hospital, and placed a guard on the house. Mr. R. P. McDonald, Coroner, opened an inquest in the Carlow military barracks on Saturday touching the death of Edward Snoddy, who was shot dead at Mr. E. S. Maffett's residences, Thornville, Palatine, on the previous day.

The following were sworn on the jury: — Messrs. James J. Dunphy (foreman). J. P. Pidgeon, Garrett Hearns, Robt. S. Moore, Jas. Corcoran, James Kelly, John Coakley, John O'Neill, Thos. Doyle, Thomas Doran. William O'Neill, Thos. Clarke. James Brien, Martin O'Rourke, John O'Neill, John O'Brien, Jos. Russell, Patrick Carpenter, John Byrne, and James Doyle.

Mr. P. J. Byrne, solr., represented the next-of-kin of deceased.

Patrick Snoddy, deceased's father, identified the body as that of .his son, who had been a railway porter. He was a political prisoner till quite recently. He last saw him about ten months ago. Dr. L. Doyle deposed to making a superficial examination of the body. He found a bullet wound in back of right forearm - an entrance wound - and a corresponding exit wound on front of right forearm. There was .also a wound at the back of the left shoulder, an entrance wound, and at the right side of chest at lower level he found a bullet under the skin. The cause of death was haemorrhage due to a bullet wound of the lungs and probably the heart. In reply to members of the jury, Dr. Doyle said in his opinion death was instantaneous. The bullet (produced) was a revolver bullet of small pattern. It looked as if the shots were fired from behind. In further reply, Dr. Doyle said that the wounded man, Bermingham was not in a position to give evidence, and he could not say when he would.

The inquest was adjourned till Monday. January 22nd at 3 o'clock.

THE FUNERAL.

On Saturday evening the remains were conveyed to the father's residence, at Blackbog, where they lay overnight, numerous people coming to pay their respect to the dead and sympathy with the living. On Sunday, the interment took place in the family burial ground, Ballinacarrig, and the funeral was large, all classes, creeds and shades of political thought being represented.

There was every evidence of sorrow and sympathy. The funeral cortege was preceded by the Graiguecullen Fife and Drum Band, playing appropriate music along the route. There were several wreaths. Following the coffin was a large guard of honour, composed of the dead man's comrades in the Carlow Brigade I.R.A., and also the Carlow Cumann na mBan. The general public followed. A volley was fired over the grave and the "Last Post" sounded, and the large crowds then dispersed.

The following were the chief mourners:- Patrick Snoddy (father). Mrs. Snoddy (mother): John, Michael and Thomas (brothers): Mrs. Phelan, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Purcell, Mrs. Redmond and Essie (sisters); Francis and Val. Slater (uncles); Mrs. Walsh (aunt); Paddy and Ned Slater, John and Joseph Walsh, James McCarthy, John, Thomas and Laurence Hayden and Val. Farrell (cousins); Patrick Jones, Jos. Phelan, P. Purcell, and J. Redmond (brothers-in-law).

Sent in by Michael Purcell 2009



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