Patrick Gorman

343

Maureen Withey on 1st March 2024

Assizes. Michael Harrington, Patrick Gorman, Richard Gorman,.and Dennis Connell, were indicted for the murder of Daniel Sullivan. James Sullivan being sworn—deposed that he went with his brother, the deceased Daniel Sullivan, to disown cattle on the lands of Knockacullen near Bantry, on the 20th January last; witness and those who accompanied him were pursued by large party, among whom were the prisoners, armed with sticks and stones, with which they assaulted witness and his party; witness received a blow of stone from Harrington and a stroke of a stick from Patrick Gorman, The deceased was struck several times, but could not say he was struck any of the prisoners; he was struck two blows with stones, twice with sticks, and once with a flail; he was thrown down and died immediately. The cattle were carried off by the prisoners. Cross-examined.—Witness’s party consisted of eight persons. The ground which was distrained belonged a man named Murphy, who held under Timothy Sullivan. Sullivan held under Lord Bantry. Witness and his party were taking the cattle to pound, but there was pound nearer than that to which they were taking them, and witness understood Lord would not allow cattle be impounded there. The cattle were taken through the mountains as the witness and his party went at a slow pace.— He did not perceive a sword the hand of any his party. Michael Murphy, (an Irish witness) examined.— Remembers going on the lands of Knockacullen for rent in the month of January. Witness made distress, and was taking the cattle to pound; deceased and his brothers were assisting him ; they were followed by a large party among whom were the prisoners, who rescued the cattle and killed Daniel Sullivan. Witness saw the persons advancing to assault him and his party, and begged them to have mercy, they were only taking the cattle to pound. The prisoners’ party continued to advance, flinging stones; they threw down, many of witness’s party, amongst others the deceased, who died on the spot. Cross-examined—Witness did not see any of the party strike the deceased; witness and many of his party had small sticks in their hands. Timothy Crowley also accompanied the deceased, and corroborated the testimony of the other witnesses. The case for the prosecution having closed, Daniel Lyne was called to the prisoners’ character. He had known them for many years, stated them to be persons of good reputation. The Judge said he was of opinion that Murphy had no legal claim to distrain the cattle; the prisoners, therefore, could not be found guilty of murder. was for the Jury to decide, however, whether they were not guilty of manslaughter. Dennis Connell and Rickard Gorman were acquitted; Patrick Gorman and Michael Harrington were convicted of manslaughter; and, after a feeling and appropriate address from the Judge, were sentenced to be transported for life. Southern Reporter, 13 Aug 1825.

343

Maureen Withey on 1st March 2024

Irish Convict Database by Peter Mayberry. Patrick Gorman, age on arrival, 28, per Mangles (4) 1826, Tried Cork, 1825, Life for Manslaughter. DOB, 1798 native place, Bantry Bay, Cork Co. Single, Catholic, Trade, Labourer.