Galway In Days Gone By – Double Tragedy

1914

Double tragedy

(By special telegram)

A shocking double tragedy was perpetrated at a field in Parke, about a quarter of a mile from Athenry, last evening, when Michael Murphy, a thirty-five year old farmer, residing at Belville, about five miles from here, hacked the throat of his young wife with an ordinary barber penknife, and, then, it is supposed, committed suicide.

The dreadful affair has sent a thrill of horror throughout the entire countryside, and this morning is the sole topic of conversation.

I have just returned from the scene of the tragedy, where the remains of the couple, who were married only three months ago, lay side by side in two oak coffins. A policeman on guard, and a small crowd surround the scene.

About twelve months ago, Katie Lally, then daughter of a Knockbrack farmer, returned from the United States, where she had been for nine years. She was regarded as one of the best-looking women in the district. Tall, fair, and about 30 years of age, her hand was sought by Murphy. She had a small fortune, which she had brought from the States and this was supplemented by her father’s dowry. He, too, was well off and married life opened up for the young couple with every hope of happiness and prosperity.

Recently, however, it has been noted that he has been somewhat strange in manner. No motive can be ascribed, save that the dreadful deed was the outcome of a fit of insanity, and this is the general belief held locally.

Docks expansion

At a meeting of Galway Harbour Board, Mr. Martin McDonogh, J.P., said they would never have a proper port in Galway until larger vessels could enter, and the outside of the docks was deepened.

Large consignments were shipped from various places to Galway, but the cargoes had to be transhipped into smaller vessels, which greatly increased the expense. Nowadays, if large vessels could not get into the docks of local ports, such ports were done.

1939

Patient drowned

A verdict of death from drowning was returned at a coroner’s inquest at Ballinasloe Mental Hospital on Saturday on a female patient who rushed into the River Suck at the back of the asylum and was drowned.

The promptitude of Attendant James Nolan, who heard the nurses whistle for help, and who rushed for a boat with which he took the patient from the river, was highly commended by the jury, who added a rider that no blame was attached to any member of the staff or the patients for the tragedy.

Death of Patrick McHugh

The death of Mr. Patrick McHugh, general merchant, The Square and High-street, Tuam, which occurred on Sunday last, removes the oldest and one of the best known and most popular figures in Tuam.

The late Mr. McHugh, who was a native of Ballaghbawn, Belclare, was associated with the business life of Tuam for almost seventy years. Although he took no direct part in politics, he was a life-long Nationalist.

During the Black and Tan regime, he was visited on one occasion by an armed party of Auxiliaries and told that if he did not get the name in Irish over the shop door removed and the name put on in English, the shop would be blown up.

Mr. McHugh, however, stood out against all threats and refused to have his name in Irish removed. It was typical of his steadfast and honourable character, which endeared him to all who knew him.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.