Patrick Delahunty

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Robin Sharkey on 31st January 2025

Patrick Delahunty was transported to NSW in 1838 for manslaughter of one Mara, having been acquitted the previous year in a different matter for attempt to murder a different man. But, having arrived in NSW just after Christmas, 1838, he died in 1839 in Liverpool Hospital, NSW. Nenagh Guardian, Wed 1 August 1838, p.3 Assizes Intellligence – Clonmel “Patrick Delahunty was convicted of the manslaughter of Roger Mara by striking him upon the head with a stone.” He had been put on trial the year before, at the Clonmel Assizes of summer 1837, together with Stephen Peters, for shooting with intent to murder. Delahunty had been acquitted at that trial while Peters had been found guilty. Delahunty had been one of, allegedly, a party of four men, “dressed as country men usually are” who had attacked Major Lidwell on the road about a half mile from Thurles. Delahunty was the only one who did not have a gun but he had thrown a stone at the Major which knocked a gun from the Major’s hand, hitting him on the hand. The other men had snapped pistols at the Major, but missed. The men had not been disguised and the Major had known Peters, but not Delahunty. On this earlier trial, Pat Delahunty called several witnesses for both alibi and character. John Mullowney said Pat was his brother in law. He recalled that, on the day of the attack, he was working all day with Pat, who was putting out manure. They were about two miles from Thurles and three miles from where the Major lives. Pat’s cousin, Thomas Delahunty gave evidence that he’d gone to Pat’s house that night to see Pat’s mother who was ill. Pat had no place to sleep at home and went, with Thomas, to Thomas’s house. James O’Meara Esq, gave evidence that Pat Delahunty’s family were his tenants. Delahunty’s “general character had been most excellent; and he'd never heard of a charge against him before this.” Finally parish priest Fr Laffan, who had lived in his parish for 10 years,, gave evidence that Delahunty “was his parishioner and he also knew the prisoner Peters and the conduct of both had been most excellent. If he was to give an opinion he would swear that both prisoners were innocent.” In 1838 gaol register for transportation from Tipperary, Patrick Delahunty is recorded as aged 30 years. Ship’s Indent: Patrick Delahunty, age 38 years, single, labourer, was Transported on Elphinstone, Arrived 29 Dec 1838, given Life for manslaughter, single, labourer. Born at Tipperary county. No education, Roman Catholic. Trial Court: Tipperary, sessions of 24 Jul 1838 Previous convictions: None. 5ft 7.75 inches tall; Complexion, Ruddy & freckled; Hair: Light brown hair; blue eyes. Marks or Scars: Yes Certificate of freedom Licence Number: CF 47/724; Died: 1839; Death place: Liverpool Hospital NSW (Convict Death Register NSW 1828-1879)