The Irish Bomfords

 

BALLINA CHRONICLE

COUNTYMAYO

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1850

MURDER OF A MAGISTRATE

KILBEGGAN, COUNTY OF WESTMEATH,  TUESDAY, Sept. 24 - I hasten to communicate briefly the particulars of a most dreadful murder that was committed on the borders of this county, adjoining the King's at a place called Rathue, situate about five miles from this town, in a peaceable part of the country, on yesterday (Monday) between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, occurring on a public road leading from this to Phillipstown and Edenderry. The gentleman that fell a victim to the assassin was Roger North, Esq. of Kilduff House, King's County, a magistrate and landlord in said county. He was shot dead within one mile of his own house as he was proceeding home on his return from inspecting some cattle, one or two of which was sick, on a farm of his (Garryduff), nearly two miles from his residence, Henry Pilkington, Esq., J.P., Toan Lodge, Tyrrellspass, having paid him a visit on said day as he was going home. He then parted with him, being old and intimate friends. Mr. North remained about an hour at the farm. He then proceeded homewards to Kilduff, walking by himself, unaccompanied by any person. When he got about a quarter of a mile beyond Mr. Arthur Judge's, of Rathue, on a lonesome part of the road near three farm houses, and where several persons were working in the fields, it is supposed that the assassin laid wait for him behind the hedge and fired at him, the shot taking effect in his side and back over the region of his heart and chest. A large number of slugs and pellets, with which the firepiece was loaded went though his body. The firearm must have been extra loaded, and the deceased near to the shot that was fired. From all the wounds he received he must have died instantly. He was discovered dead on the road immediately afterwards. Sub-Inspector Sheil, with a party of police from this town, proceeded early this morning to the place and arrested several persons on suspicion. The coroner, Marcus Kelly, Esq., proceeded on this day to hold an inquest on the body. Every means are being taken by the authorities to get or discover the person or persons who committed the dreadful deed. Up to this no clue or discovery has been made of the guilty. It is considered he was murdered owing to his having lately sued some of his tenants, on his Rathue property, with coersive severity. Such are the rumours here at least, and I give them to you as they reached me.--Correspondent of Freeman.

 

(Jim Blower email 24 March 2009)