Michael Bourke

342

Maureen Withey on 8th July 2024

Patrick Hewitt and Michael Burke were capitally indicted for robbing; the house of Mrs. Grace Going, at Monaquill, near Nenaeh, on the 17th May last. Jane Kirwan examined. Lived with Mrs. Going, at Monaquill, on the 17th May last, as house-maid; about eight o’clock on that evening, it being then not dark, she heard a cry in the yard, and on going to ascertain the cause, a man sprung over the half-door from the yard into the kitchen, and caught her in his arms ; he asked her was she the house-maid, she told him she was not; he then asked where was the stewards gun, and the answered that she did not know, upon which he struck her in the side with a pistol, which he pulled out from under his coat, and she fell under him from the blow; when she was knocked down, several men entered the house and were going up stairs; she arose and was mounting the stairs before them, when she was stabbed in the leg with a bayonet, which obliged her to return to the kitchen, to endeavour to escape through the yard, but was prevented crossing the threshold by a man who stood outside in the yard with a pistol in his hand; would know the first man who entered if she saw him again, but does not know his name; there were at this time about four or five men in the house, and he who stood at the door was not one of those who entered at first. Did not see arms with more than two of the party, the man who stabbed her in the leg, and he who stood outside the kitchen door in the yard. Remained in the hall until the robbers left the house . They were all undisguised, and some of them went into the parlour, and more of them went up stairs to Mrs. Grace’s room. They several times passed the words Fear not amongst them, whilst moving through the house. Heard a noise, as if of the bursting open of boxes, whilst the men were up stairs. After being good while up stairs they came down, and without making any delay the lower part of the house, departed. Did not see them take any thing away with them. Went up stairs when they had gone and found several articles broken and strewed about found after them ... The full report of the trial continues in The Tipperary Free Press, 22 Aug 1827.

342

Maureen Withey on 8th July 2024

Irish Convict Database by Peter Mayberry. Michael Bourke, alias Burke, age on arrival, 35, Per Borodino, 1828. Tried Tipperary, 1827, Life for Robbery house. DOB 1793, native place, Tipperary. Married, 1 child. Catholic. Ploughman shepherd.