John Sweeny

343

Maureen Withey on 5th April 2025

SLIGO CROWN COURT, Friday, March 18th 1831. Patrick Sweeny, sen., Patrick Sweeny, jun., John Sweeny, Thomas Sweeny, Mark . & Luke Cay, were indicted for the wilful murder of William Gallagher, at Carrintogher, in May last. Michael Gallagher sworn.—Examined by Mr. French—Recollects in Mav last being employed to serve a decree on William Durkar for rent; seized three cows, which they found on the ground ; had taken two cows a good distance, when Durkan called  ap the prisoners to his assistance, as they passed near them, and they gathered about them and attacked them ; they rescued  the cattle ; Thomas Sweeny held the deceased, and gave the wattle to his father to strike him; saw Patrick Sweeny strike him with a stone, and John hit him with a steeveen ; he was knocked down, and while on the ground he received a blow on the of the wounds he had received on the head from a stone ; he died on the following day.  Cross-examined by Mr. Baker.—Had no demand on the Sweenys ; was not cautioned not to take the cattle ; had along with him Patrick. Thomas, and William Gallagher, and Michael and John M‘Gethrick ; they had nothing but switches in their hands; they were told not to bring the cattle; seized three cows ; witness or his did not strike until they were cut. John M‘Gethrick sworn.—was with Gallagher in May last, but not when the cattle were seized ; Michael Gallagher  came for him to the house, and he went where they were fighting; saw prisoners ; John Sweeny had a steveen: is sure he is the man who struck the blow; had en opportunity of seeing the persons who struck the deceased and has no (doubt) that John Sweeny was the man— he saw another man, who he was Pat. Sweeny, strike the deceased with a wattle ; is sure he saw him strike him; did not see any one else strike William Gallagher. Cross-examined by Mr. Baker.—There were 5 in the party ; did not take any part in the fight— each had a stick in his hand - it was early in May the time that they set potatoes; and the stick is used for that  purpose—they were fighting when he came up—heard that the cattle belonged to the widow—the decree was against William Durkan. Doctor Burrowes sworn. —Attended the inquest on the body of William Gallagher—examined the wound of his head, sufficient to to cause his death. —there was an extensive fracture on the back ...   ... Nicholas sworn,—Examined by Mr. at Rathmagurry ;  knows the old man 40 or 80 years, and the others since they were born; they are of the best character ; in 1798 Sweeny protected him when the French passed his Trailer. Mr. H. Brett gave the prisoners a good character. Verdict— Guilty of Manslaughter Sligo Journal, 25 March 1831. Sligo Journal, 25 March 1831.

338

Penny-Lyn Beale on 9th February 2022

New South Wales, Australia, Convict Indents. Indent No; 63 Age; 23 years, Reads, Single Native Place; Sligo Trial; 17 March 1831 Height; 5 ft. 5 in Remarks; BROTHER; Patrick Sweeny. On board. Indent No; 62