Court Cases, news and information on Kilkeel and area, from 1830
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Saturday 8th. 1797 Whereas we, Christopher Marmion and Hugh Cunigan both of Ballymagart in Mourne, stand charged with having maimed a mare, the property of David Sloan of Drumond, now we the said Christopher Marmion and David Sloan do hereby give notice that we have surrendered ourselves to the sherriff of the County, and are now in the custody of Downpatrick Goal, and mean to stand trial at the next assizes. Friday July 9th 1830. Capture of a French Smuggler: On the 2nd inst. the Water Guard at Annalong, on the County of Down shore, observed a cutter of about four leagues from land.- About eleven o’clock, Captain Murrow, who commands at the station, thinking there was something suspicious in her standing “off and on,” ordered some of his party to launch the boat and give chase, which was immediately done; and the wind dying away enabled the Guard boat to near the prize. Several shots were fired from the Coast Guard to bring the cutter to, but without effect, the crew being then employed in throwing the cargo overboard. About 4p.m. the Coast Guard took possession of the smuggler, and then proceeded to pick up the bales that had been thrown into the sea, and which contained tobacco = 36 were collected. The cutter proved to be L’Aurore, from a small port near Brest, - burthen, thirty tons. Her crew consisted of five men and a boy, none of whom could speak English. When the Guard boat was within a mile of the cutter, a boat, which was in tow with the cutter, left her, and rowed for the shore. Captain M. who observed this movement from the
land, had his men ready to lay hold of the boat’s crew, who proved to be
four men belonging to Kilkeel, and a Pilot from Dublin, whom the Captain
said he had taken on board in Dublin bay. The Captain stated he was bound
for the Faro Isles; but we think it is more probable that his cargo was
intended for the County of Down. The vessel is now in our Canal, and her
crew on board under the charge of the Water Guard and Police. The vessel and
cargo are valued at £1000. – Newry Tel. Saturday May 28th 1831
Suicide: A very melancholy case
of suicide occurred on Monday se’nnight, at Kilkeel, county Down. Mr. Andrew
Glover, at one time living in great respectability in that county, but
latterly a sub-constable of police, shot himself with a pistol, in the
barrack forage-room. It seems he had been much depressed in spirits, since
November last, in consequence of some persons, whose names he mentioned,
refusing to pay him100l., which he alleged they owed for smuggled goods. The
history of this unfortunate man, is a melancholy one; and full of matter fit
for deep refection. He was a noted smuggler, and having escaped the danger
and desperate chances of that business, has now met a melancholy fate from
his own hand? – Northern Whig. Friday March 8th, 1833 Cholera in Kilkeel March 4: The
number of cases from the commencement (little more than one week) are 37;
deaths 25. All in the town of Kilkeel, and many new cases in the country.-
Newry Examiner. Friday August 2nd, 1833. Down Assizes: Margaret Plunkett, for stealing a shift, the property of Agnes McAdam, at Kilkeel, on 1st July last.- Guilty.
Friday December 20th, 1833. Consecration of the new Chapel: On Sunday last, the 15th inst. the Chapel of Kilkeel was consecrated by the Right Rev. Dr. Crolly, assisted by the Rev. Messrs. McGarry and Maguire, and attended by the Rev.Mr. Curoe, who officiated as his Chaplain. The Chapel, which is the largest and best in any of the country parts of this district, was crowded almost to suffocation. All the respectable Protestant and Presbyterian gentry of the surrounding country were present. The Sermon was preached bytheRev. J. Marmion, Curate of Dundalk. The effect produced by his truly eloquent discourse exceeds description.
To be let or sold: THE WHITE RIVER PAPER MILLS, Machinery, Dwelling-house, and Offices, with from 10 to 50 English Acres of excellent land. The Fall is about 20 feet, and can be encreased 6 to 7 feet; the supply of both River and Spring Water is pure and abundant, and well adapted for a Paper Manufactory, Bleach Green, Spinning Mill, Brewery, Distillery, or for any purpose that Water Power can be applied to. These Mills are situated in the County Down, within a mile of the Post Town of Kilkeel, about the same distance from the sea, within a short ride of the beautiful village of Rostrevor, and the centre of a quiet and populous part of the country. Applications to be made (if by letters, post paid) to the proprietor, Samuel Reid, Esq., Newry, or to Alex. MacDonell. Newry, April 1st, 1834.
Hugh Roney, for absconding from the Kilkeel
workhouse, with various articles of clothing, the property of the guardians.
Pleaded guilty. Six months’ imprisonment and hard labour. Friday December 14th, 1849. Dreadful Accident – Four
Lives Lost: On Friday night last an awful accident occurred at
Ballymartin, near Kilkeel, county Down. A poor man, his wife, and two
children lived in a miserable hut near the sea shore. Friday night was an
exceedingly tempestuous one, and shortly after the man and his family had
gone to rest, all of them sleeping in one bed, the house, which was old and
dilapidated, was blown down, and the whole four were killed. The next day
their bodies were dug out from the ruins. The poor fellow was found in a
sitting posture, with one of the children in his arms, as if he had been
rising to make his escape. His wife had the other child. An inquest was held
on the bodies, and a verdict in accordance with the facts returned. Wednesday March 10th, 1852. George McSherry pleaded guilty of absconding from the Kilkeel workhouse, and taking with him clothes, the property of the guardians. Saturday April 30th. 1853 The daughter of Mr. McMurran age 14 of Ballinran, Kilkeel. has been shot dead by her brother age 12 years old, he was amusing himself with a gun, the girl received the contents of the gun in the abdomen and expired in great agony.
CHARGES OF AN ASSAULT BETWEEN A ROMAN CATHOLIC CLERGYMAN AND A MILITARY OFFICER: The Belfast Banner of yesterday contains the following:- “On Tuesday last a case was heard at the Kilkeel petty sessions, before Messrs. Thomas G. Henry, James Coates, John S. Moore, Henry Senior, and John White, in which the principals were the Rev. Michael Callery, Roman Catholic curate of the parish, and Lieutenant Croft, of the 68th depot, at present stationed in Newry. The priest charged the lieutenant with having, at Greencastle fair, on 12th August last, assaulted him by calling him back as he was proceeding homewards on his horse, and then, having got him back, with having caught him by the coat, struck him a violent blow on the chin, knocked off his hat, and otherwise maltreated him. The lieutenant, on the other hand, charged the priest with having first assaulted him, by calling him a ruffian and a blackguard, and then with having struck him with a whip in the face. Mr. Rea, solicitor, Belfast, with Mr. Murphy, Newry, were engaged for the Rev. Mr. Callery; and Mr. Frazer, with Mr. Greer, appeared on the other side. The evidence, which was given in the case by the complainants themselves, a young woman named Catherine Evitt, with whom Lieutenant Croft was in company at the time of the assault, and James Cunningham, a tailor in the town, was so contradictory, that the magistrate agreed to take information on both sides, and send the case to the quarter sessions.” Sunday Dec. 3rd. 1854 A large rick of flax, the
property of J. McComb, of Moyad, was set on fire. Tuesday, July 13th, 1858. No's. 33, 31, and 35, Barony of Mourne, to cut
hills and fill hollows on the road from Kilkeel to Newcastle; cost, £299 17s
This is the principal road in the Barony of Mourne, and the improvements
proposed are very necessary. The works in progress throughout the county
are, with some exceptions, proceeding satisfactorily. The roads are
generally in good surface order, and I have endeavoured, as far as possible,
to get the weeds cut from the sides and fences. Some inconvenience has
arisen, owing to the surface of the roads having broken up during the dry
weather, thereby causing rolling stones. This evil has been remedied in a
great measure by the rain which has lately fallen, and the roads are now in
fair order. I have the honour to remain, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant, HENRY SMYTH. Co. Surveyor’s Office, Downpatrick, July 12th,1858. Thursday, October 18th, 1860. Accident: A respectable man,
named William Hanna, of Kilkeel, when stepping down from his cart, after
returning from making sale of some barley in the Newry market on Thursday,
fell forward on his shoulder and broke his collar-bone. His feet and legs
had become benumbed from the piercing cold, to which alone the accident was
attributable. Newry Telegraph. Monday, September 16th, 1861. NEW FLAX MARKET FOR KILKEEL: The
farmers and inhabitants in and about Kilkeel have long felt the necessity
for the establishment of a commodious place for the sale of flax, and the
disadvantage under which they laboured in not having a place where, on each
market day, the buyer and seller could have resort for that purpose. On
Monday the 23rd inst., and on every succeeding Monday during the season, a
public market will be held for the sale of flax. The notice assures the
public that “every facility and accommodation will be given,” and we have no
doubt that many advantages will be experienced both by the seller and the
buyer. Wednesday, July 13th, 1864. ESTABLISHMENT OF A FISHERY STATION AT KILKEEL: On Wednesday last a large and influential meeting of the clergy, gentry, and inhabitants of Mourne was held in the Court-house, Kilkeel, for the purpose of considering the means to be adopted for the establishment of a fishery station at Kilkeel. The want of a station at this part of the county Down has been long felt. Kilkeel was at one time celebrated for its haddock fishing, but, owing to the danger attending this pursuit from the want of a harbour of refuge, it has greatly fallen off of late years. The place selected for the station by the committee who have taken up the matter is at the junction of the Kilkeel river with the sea, and if a harbour were made at this point it would facilitate the progress of boats going out to render assistance to vessels in distress or that have been stranded. At the present time there is no available place for keeping small fishing boats, and, from the inroads of the sea, they have often been washed away.
The meeting on Wednesday was attended by the principal gentleman of the town and neighbourhood – The Revs John F. Close, E O’Brien, Pratt, Alexander Dudgeon, James Keating, PP; Dr. Reid, Dr. Anderson; John S. Moore, Esq, JP, Shannon Grove; Major-General Chesney; Thomas G. Henry, Esq, JP, The Abbey; James Walsley, Esq, Ballykeel House; James Walmsley, Esq, The Green; John Moore, Esq, Moore Lodge; R R Thompson, Esq, &c. The chair was taken by Major-General Chesney, and resolutions were adopted to carry out the proposed scheme. Newry Telegraph. Tuesday 4th October, 1864. Exposing for Sale Unsound Pork. - Thomas O'Hare was charged with exposing for sale unsound pork. Mr. Arthur Gaffikin, inspector of provisions, said he found the prisoner offering for sale in the market a pig which was unsound and unfit for human food. The pig was measled. Captain Verner - Where does the prisoner come from? Mr. McLean - From Kilkeel, below Newcastle. The merchants used to buy these pigs, deducting 1s 6d or 80 per cent. off the price. Mr. McLeod said that the Court was not disposed to deal heavily with the prisoner. He was fined 20s and costs, or, in default, to be imprisoned 14 days - the pig to be destroyed. Tuesday 23rd. July 1867 Births and Deaths for 1867,
Bryansford, births 34, deaths 38, deaths above average. Kilkeel births 100,
deaths 81, deaths far above average owing to the inclemency of the
weather. Thursday, February 27th, 1868. ASSIZES NEWS. COMPENSATION FOR MALICIOUS INJURIES: Andrew McMurray claimed £61 14s as compensation for loss and damage sustained by the malicious burning of a steam scutch-mill and machinery thereof, his property, situated in the townland of Ballinran, parish of Kilkeel, Barony of Mourne. Mr. R. Brown appeared on behalf of the claimant, and Mr. E. Gardner opposed on behalf of a number of rate payers. The claim was allowed, the amount to be levied on the parish of Kilkeel. Sat. March 6th. 1875 Burning,
Alexander McDowell claimed for the malicious burning of a scutch mill his
property in the townland of Ballymagart, in the parish of Kilkeel, the claim
was disapproved of, at the sessions, there being no appearance in support of
his claim, it was disallowed. Thursday, June 24th, 1875. DISCOVERY OF SILVER, IRON, AND LEAD ORE
NEAR KILKEEL, COUNTY DOWN: In the townland of Leitrim, near Kilkeel,
a number of miners have been engaged for some time past sinking a shaft. A
few days ago they happened to come on a strata of iron ore; sinking further,
they came on another of lead; and a little deeper they discovered silver
ore. Should the quantity of the several metals prove so abundant as to
enable the workmen to carry on operations, it will prove a new source of
wealth to the kingdom of Mourne. It is understood that to Lord Newry’s keen
research and persevering industry the present discovery is mainly
attributable. His lordship must be congratulated on the discovery, which, it
is hoped, may prove so extensive and remuniterative as to sufficiently
reward that nobleman for his energetic and philanthropic exertions in behalf
of his tenants on his. Mourne estate. Friday, November 24th, 1976. DISASTROUS FIRE AT KILKEEL PIER:
A fire has taken place at the shipbuilding yard of Mr. Pointer, at Kilkeel
Pier. At one o’clock on the morning of Wednesday some boatmen saw flames
issuing from the engine house and workshops, and at once sent for Constable
Moore and his men. The people of the neighbourhood were soon aroused, and
all laboured strenuously to keep the fire from spreading to the other
buildings, and to some new luggers ready for launching. The large fleet of
fishing vessels at present laid up were also saved from destruction. It is
believed that the loss will exceed £1,000. Great sympathy is felt for Mr.
Pointer, as well as for the workmen, whose tool-chests were destroyed. Had
it not been for the hearty efforts of the constabulary, fishermen, and
others, the loss would have been far more serious, and property to the
amount of £20,000 would have been destroyed by the devouring element. Thursday, December 17th, 1876. KILKEEL PRESENTMENT SESSIONS: The presentment sessions for the Barony of Mourne were held at the Courthouse, Kilkeel, on Monday last, before Messrs. John Q. Henry, J.P.; James Walmsley, J.P.; James McIlwaine, J.P.; and John Moore, J.P. The county officials, Mr. Gordon, secretary of the Grand Jury; Mr. Murray, county surveyor, and Mr. Mitchell, assistant surveyor – were in attendance. The following were the associated cess-payers who answered to their names:- Messrs. Maxwell Atkinson, Robert Annett, James Morgan, Hugh O’Neill, and M. O’Hare. The first application on the sheet was for a sum, not exceeding £75, to make a new line of road from Cranfield to Lea, at Mr. Moore’s land in Cranfield – disapproved. No.9, to pin, point, and repair the abutments of Kilkeel bridge, expence not to exceed £20 – approved. A man named Patrick Cunningham claimed £10 for loss and damage sustained by the malicious burning of a rick of hay and stack of straw, his property, in the townland of Ballykeel. Mr. J. Hunter Moore appeared for the applicant. The Court awarded the full amount. The remaining applications were unimportant. – Correspondent. Wednesday Jan. 24 1877 School Mistress wanted, (Protestant) for Ballyvea school, for particulars apply by letter to E. S. Chesney, Mourne Park, Newry Tuesday February 27th 1877. The case of cannibalism - List of the crew of the Maria. - The following are the names of the crew of the Maria, of Belfast, whose sufferings and death were brought to light by the arrival of the sole survivor, James McLinden, at Liverpool:- John Grayson. master, of Belfast; Charles O'Neil, first mate, Newry; Robert Lewis, second mate and boatswain, Belfast; Jas. Mooney, steward, Dublin; Benjamin Campbell, A.B., Belfast; George Fox, A.B., Sunderland; John Williams, A.B., Amiwch?; John Ross, A.B., Russian; Stephen Saddler, A.B., Dublin; James McLinden, A.B., Kilkeel; A. Drury, ordinary seaman, Hartlepool; and one able seaman and two boys, whose names McLinden did not recollect. Monday 5th. March 1877 Compensation, Application by Patrick Cunningham for the sum of £10, to compensate him for loss and damage sustained by the malicious burning of a rick of hay and a stack of straw, his property, in the townland of Ballykeel, in the parish of Kilkeel, compensation granted. Thursday May 3rd. 1877 Serious assualt near Kilkeel, At the Kilkeel Petty Sessions on Tuesday, before Messrs. Moore and Walmasley, a man named James colgan, in well to do circumstances, was charged withhaving seriously assaulted and beaten a woman named Mary Colgan, the parties fell out it seems over a land dispute, Mr. Maginnes and Mr. Halpin of Newry who appeared for the complainant taking an action in the courts, this course was agreed to, the woman has been seriously injured and lies in a most precarious condition. Thursday June 7th. 1877 Assault at Kilkeel, At the Kilkeel Petty Sessions on Tuesday a man named John Green was fined £2 and £1 costs, for having knocked down and kicked an old man named John McGlew, on the 13th. May last year. Friday March 28th. 1878. Assault, At Kilkeel Petty sessions yesterday, three men named Daniel Cunningham, John Doran and William McDowell, were each fined £2 and ten shillings and costs for a violent assault on a man named Hugh McDowell, at Ballymartin, Kilkeel on the 5th. A named Peter Small was also fined £10, afterwards mitigated to £2 and ten shillings for having carried a gun without a licence at Kilkeel on Christmas day last. Saturday January 18th, 1879. The stabbing case from Kilkeel. Patrick Henry, of Kilkeel, stood indicted on three counts - namely, for cutting and wounding William McKibbin, at Kilkeel, on the 31st of October last; with assaulting Mrs McKibbin, occasioning her actual body harm; and further, with a common assault. Mr. Johnson, S.C.S., prosecuted; and the prisoner was defended by Dr. McBlain, barrister-at-law (instructed by Mr. J. Hunter Moore). The jury, after considerable deliberation, found the prisoner guilty and His Worship sentenced him to nine months imprisonment, with hard labour. Thursday Jan. 30th. 1879 Police assault, Five men named, Pat Sloan, Hugh Sheals, Matthew Rooney, James O'Neill and John cunningham were charged with assaulting two sub constables at Kilkeel on New Years day. Sheals was also charged wit assaulting a man named William McMurray, who came to the assistance of the police, the police received much abuse on this occasion, and the accused were sent for trial at the assizes. Tuesday March 18th, 1879. Assaulting the Police. Four young men, named Patrick Sloan, James O'Neil, Mathew Rooney, and Hugh Sheals, were charged with assaulting the police in the execution of their duty at Kilkeel, on the 1st January, 1879. Mr.Fitzgibbon, Q.C., and Dr. McBlain prosecuted, and Mr.Weir appeared for the prisoner. Evidence having been heard, the jury returned a verdict of guilty against Sloan and Sheals, and not guilty against O'Neil and Rooney. His Lordship sentenced them each to two months' imprisonment, with hard labour, O'Neil and Rooney being discharged.
June 30th, 1879. ROUND THE MOURNE MOUNTAINS AND COUNTY DOWN COAST: Attractive one day tour. Norton & Co’s Tourist Long Cars from Newcastle to Warrenpoint, at 9a.m., on arrival of 7a.m. train from Belfast, and from Warrenpoint to Newcastle, on arrival of 7a.m. trains from Belfast – fare, 3s 6d. Belfast and Newcastle and Belfast and Warrenpoint issued at Great Northern and County Down Railway Stations – 1st class, 10s; 2nd class, 7s, available 7 days. Tour can be made in one. Newcastle to Rostrevor and back every week day, 5s. Cheap fares from Belfast and County Down Railway Stations. Time tables and all information post free from the Car Office, Kilkeel, where any number of seats in advance can be secured by letter or telegram. Medical success, in which every poor suffering
man, woman and child throughout the land is deeply interested – Colliss’
Voltaic Electric Plaster. They are without price, almost, since they cost
but 25 cents. They cure every external pain and ache. Sandfords Jamaica
Ginger for the Aged. Wholesale Agents – Clarke & McMullan, 40, 42, and 44,
Victoria Street, Belfast, Ireland. Retail – Grattan & Co., Corn Market,
Belfast. Thursday, June 17th 1879. SOUTH DIVISION. Bernard B. Murray, Esq. surveyor for the south division, submitted the following report:- “ My Lords and Gentlemen of the Grand Jury – No works of any importance have been presented at the May sessions, with the exception of No.243, Upper Iveagh (upper half), £1,600, to make a new road in Rostrevor on the line from Newry to Kilkeel. It is proposed to run the new road parallel to the tramway extention fron Rostrevor to the quay, as lately constructed, but outside of it, the tramway forming a raised footpath at the sea side of the road. This new road will be of considerable advantage to the traffic east of Rostrevor and to the Mourne district, as avoiding the two steep snaps or hills in Rostrevor, which have been found very difficult to improve. The land has been given free of traverse.
“The other presentments in schedule are for the usual surface and ordinary repairs, and amount to: For surface repairs, 8 months……….£11,647 17 0 For other repairs______£620 3 6 Total _____________£13,473 5 5 “The corresponding amount granted in last summer was £13,690. It is the intention of those interested in the Annalong and Kilkeel Harbours to make application for presentments to enable the extension of those harbours to be carried out – the first under the Board of Works, who grant a considerable sum in aid, and the second under county contract. I have to strongly recommend those works as much needed. All county work has been much delayed by the continuous rains, but the surface condition of the roads has been fairly kept up by the contractors, and very few complaints have reached me since last assizes.” Mr. Reilly asked Mr. Murray what the roads in the division cost per mile. Mr. Murray said the average cost per mile in his district was £13 10s. There were 1,294 miles presented, and the cost varied from £8 10s 8d in the Mourne district to £21 15s in Lower Iveagh (upper half). Mr. Smyth said that the cost of the roads near Belfast increased the average expense in the northern division. Mr. Reilly said the material in that division was also much more difficult to be obtained. Mr. Smyth said that the roads he referred to were also harder to keep up. After passing a large number of presentments, The Grand Jury adjourned at five o’clock till ten o’clock the following (Thursday) morning. Friday November 4th, 1881. William Donnan pleaded guilty to a charge of having indecently assaulted a woman named Ellen Cassidy, at Kilkeel, on 2nd August last; and a second indictment charged him with a similar offence on the same day upon one Mary McKibbin. Mr. B.N. Johnson prosecuted; and Mr. Moore, on the part of the accused, pleaded guilty, and stated that the prisoner had already been in gaol for three months, having failed to get bail. The prisoner was put back. Saturday May 12th, 1883. The Serious Assault on a Woman near Ki lkeel., The man, James McCranney, who stands charged with having savagely assaulted his sister-in-law at Leeston, near Kilkeel, on Saturday last, was yesterday brought up in custody at the Kilkeel Police Barrack, before Messrs. Jas. Walmsley, J.P., and J.Q. Henry, J.P. Dr. Wilson deposed that the woman was not yet out of danger. The accused was sent forward for trial to the next Newry quarter sessions. Monday Jan. 25th. 1886 Suicide, Mr. George Gordon of Kilkeel, a magistrate for County down, committed suicide on Saturday evening, by discharging a gun under his chin, the bullet passing up through his head and through the ceiling of the room, deceased was a large landed proprietor and merchant in Kilkeel. Monday November 15th. 1886. Embezzlement, A respectable young man named John Rooney was put forward, charged at the suit of Inspector Millar with having embezzled the sum of £15 and sixteen shillings, the property of Dr. Gordon of Kilkeel, after hearing Dr. Gordons evidence, Mr. Gartland, Newry defending the accused ,said the defendants father would refund the money if the crown would withdraw the charge, but the latter was declined and the accused was sent for trial, at Newry quarter Sessions.
A New Railway Project For The County Down:- There is now a brilliant project of a portion of the County of Down, rich in agriculture and fisheries, being opened up by a new line of railway. It will be recollected that some time ago Messrs. Norton and Shaw obtained parliamentary powers to construct a narrow gauge line of railway between Greencastle, in the County of Down, and Kilkeel. Nothing further was done by Messrs. Norton and Shaw in the matter, but during the last few days we are glad to learn that the good-will and privileges held in the projected lines have been purchased by the London and North-Western Railway Company, and already steps are being taken to commence operations in the construction of the line. It is highly probable that once this enterprising railway company takes the matter in hand the line will be constructed to Newcastle, where a junction can be effected with the Belfast and County Down system, and over which the London and North-Western Company will obtain running powers. – Newry Telegraph. March 29th 1888. Alleged Unlawful Wounding near Kilkeel,. - At the Kilkeel petty sessions, before Col. Evanson, R.M. 9 in the chair), and Messrs. J.Q. Henry, J.P.; J.Walmsley, J.P.; and J. Orr, J.P.; District-Inspector Miller charged Edward Clarke with having wounded John Rodgers, at Moneydarragh, near Kilkeel, on the 15th inst. Mt Hunter Moore, Newry, appeared for the defendant, and Mr. Alexander Gartlan, Newry, represented Rodgers. John Rodgers deposed that on the morning of the 15th inst. there was a quarrel between Thomas Clarke and John Rodgers as to the right about seaweed, and Thomas Clarke attacked Rodgers with a grape, the prongs penetrating his clothes. Both then commenced to fight, and blows having been exchanged they fell to the bottom of a bank. The fight was renewed until they were separated. Later on Edward Clarke and Charles Clarke appeared upon the scene, and the latter said if he had been about a different division would have been made of the seaweed. Some words followed, and Rodgers and the two Clarkes stripped to fight. Rodgers and Edward Clarke fought, and the latter knocked the former down several times, until he said he was beaten. Rodgers then engaged in an altercation, and was about to fight with Charles Clarke when he felt a blow on the left temple which rendered him insensible. Dr. Wilson deposed that he had examined Rodgers, and found him suffering from a wound over the left eyebrow. The magistrates fined Clarke £5, or two months imprisonment with hard labour. Monday Aug. 13th. 1888 Narrow Escape, from being alive at Kilkeel, a plumber named James Curran had a marvellous escape from a shocking death, it appears that the town pump got out of repair and Curran was engaged in mending the lead pipe at the bottom of the well, which was about 40 feet deep, a short time after Curran decended a stone fell from the side of the well, striking him on the head and being injured, he gave the signal to those on top of the well to hoist him up. Just as Curran had reached a few feet from the top, the sides of the well gave way and suddenly fell in filling up the well, it was a most miraculous escape, had there been the slightest hitch in the arrangements for hoisting Curran up, he would have met a sad death. Sat. Oct. 27th. 1888 Jack the Ripper, A young lady named Milligan age 21 has died at Kilkeel, County Down, under the following circumstances, a fortnight ago miss Milligan was out walking with two lady visitors, and all three were startled by the appearance of a man who, personating the Whitechapel monster, brandished a knife exclaiming "Iam Jack the ripper", during the evening Miss Milligan became hysterical and the next day fever set in, which not withstanding the efforts of Dr. Wilson, terminated fatally, the police are looking for the man. Saturday 25th October, 1890. Supposed Discovery of a Petroleum Spring near Kilkeel,. - A few days ago the Kingdom of Mourne was agitated by the rumour that a petroleum spring had been discovered in the townland of Moneydarragh, near Kilkeel, on the farm of Mr. Henry McNeilly, who is over from America on a visit, has repeatedly declared that he had seen what his experience had led him to believe were indications of the presence of a petroleum spring. Lately a quarry was opened, in which a quantity of water collected, and upon the surface of this a film of oily substance speedily formed. This was skimmed off and about a pint of it has been bottled, and will be submitted to and analyst by Mr. J.Q. Henry, J.P. agent to the Earl of Kilmorey. If the analyst's report should be favourable, it is expected that boring will be undertaken, with a view of ascertaining if petroleum in quantity is present in the strata underlying the Kingdom of Mourne. Wednesday December 17th, 1890. AN HOTEL ON FIRE - Leaps for Life. - An exciting scene was witnessed at Kilkeel, County Down, yesterday morning. The Royal Hotel, which is kept by Mr. Annett, took fire at an early hour, and the flames speedily spread through the building, the inmates of which were all asleep. When they were aroused, the means of escape from the upper rooms was cut off, and the proprietor, his wife, and the servants called for help from the windows. A crowd soon collected, and Mr. Annett threw his son to some men below, who caught him safely. Mr. Annett and his wife then leaped from the window, and reached the ground uninjured. The servant girls were then seen at an upper window, from which they screamed frantically. One of them jumped, and received such injuries that she is not expected to recover. The other girl was rescued by means of a ladder. The flames were not extinguished until much damage had been done. Tuesday April 28th. 1891 At Kilkeel yesterday a coroner's jury returned the verdict of accidental death in the case of Hugh Edgar, who died from injuries received while working in a quarry. Thursday June 18th, 1891. Late on last Tuesday night a shocking tragedy was committed in Kilkeel. William Sloan, a painter, of Harbour Road, Kilkeel, entered his mother's house, Newcastle Street, and, observing his sister and her husband sitting in the parlour, they having just returned from their honeymoon, pointed a revolver at them and fired. The shot struck his brother-in-law, named Annett, in the thigh. Mrs Annett grappled with her brother, and during the struggle the revolver was again discharged, but Mrs Annett escaped injury. After a severe struggle the revolver was wrenched from him, and he walked away. The police, on being communicated with, went to Sloan's house, which they found barricaded. On forcing the door they discovered Sloan lying dead, he having shot himself through the head. Annett's injuries are not dangerous. There was no motive for the crime, and at the inquest last night a verdict was returned that the deceased committed the deed while temporarily insane. Thursday July 30th, 1891. Alleged Stabbing Case at Kilkeel. -
At the Kilkeel petty sessions on Tuesday, before Colonel Carew, D.M., and
Messrs. James Walmsley, J.P., John Orr, J.P., and Alexander Ford, J.P., a
case was called in which a young man named Samuel Nicholson was charged with
having, on the morning of the 14th July, stabbed Bernard Sloan, at
Glenloughan, near Kilkeel. Mr. E.H. Pearson, district-inspector R.I.C.,
prosecuted, and Mr. Hunter Moore was for the defence. The deposition
of the injured man disclosed that he and a companion had caught Nicholson,
asked him to give them a drink, and had dragged him some distance against
his will. Nicholson, it was then alleged, stabbed Sloan on the arm.
In cross-examination by the accused, Sloan admitted that he had taken an
iron bar out of the blacksmith's shop, but he had thrown it down when he was
stabbed. Mr. Moore suggested that as the parties had arrived at an
amicable settlement, the Bench should permit the case to be withdrawn. Mr.
Pearson objected, but the Bench refused information. Thursday June 9th, 1892. The Seaweed case Mr. Walker, Q.C. said his learned friend’s clients who were resisting the action were two persons who, not to say too much, were certainly not the most solvent of the nineteen defendants, and they had chosen to put Lord Kilmorey, who was now in court, to the enormous expence of proving his title from the patent of James1., and now that the title was ready to be conclusively established in one of the strongest and clearest cases that had ever been before him it was proposed by his learned friend to withdraw the defence. As all the plaintiffs; proofs were ready, and as the Crown was represented, he would, with the permission of the Court, prove once and for all the plaintiffs’ title to this belt of shore. The Vice-Chancellor said- Certainly, as the expense had been incurred, the proofs could now be put in. Mr. Quinn-Henry, the agent, was then examined by Mr. Craig. Q.C., as to the each and every of the townlands which formed the belt of shore, and as to the leases and old title deeds and regulations with respect to the seaweed and its division among the tenants, and the order giving the tenants the benefit of the seaweed. Numerous ancient documents, including the patent of James 1. and all the Kilmorey title deeds to the property down to the present plaintiffs were produced and put in evidence. At the conclusion of the evidence Sergeant Jellet said the Attorney-General was satisfied and the plaintiffs were entitled to the shore, and that the Crown had no interest in it, and he had no objection to the decree being made. The Vice-Chancellor made a decree that the plaintiffs were entitled to the seashore between high and low water mark as prayed for in their statement of claim, and he granted an injunction against the defendants restraining them from trespassing upon the shore and cutting or taking any seaweed therefrom, and he also granted an injunction quieting the plaintiffs in possession of the continuous belt of those described and he gave judgement accordingly against the defendants with costs except as regards the Attorney-General. He asked what about the Attorney-General’s costs. Sergeant Jellet said he was entitled, according to the practices, to get costs from the plaintiffs, as the suit could not have been proceeded with without his being there. The Vice-Chancellor did not see why the plaintiffs ought to pay the Attorney-General’s costs in a case which it was perfectly clear that the Crown had no interest. He could understand costs being given up to a certain point, but when the case had became clear further expense should not have been incurred. The argument as to the Attorney-General’s right to costs should stand over. Saturday 24th December, 1892. BURGLARY AT KILKEEL
- Yesterday it appeared that a case of housebreaking took place in Kilkeel,
when the premises of Mr. James Flanagan, grocer and spirit merchant, were
entered, and a number of bottles of whisky stolen. The first
intimation that led to the discovery was the report to the police that a
window in the post office had been broken by three fellows in the garb of
soldiers. On the police going to ascertain the facts, Sergeant
Bennister, accompanied by Constables Sargin and Warrell, found three
individuals in the street, behaving in a most disorderly fashion and
assaulting passers-by in the street. The report having reached the
police barrack of the housebreaking case in Newcastle Street, the police
officer immediately arrested the three fellows on suspicion. The
prisoners resisted the arrest as best they could, but after many
unsuccessful attempts to get clear, they were lodged in safety. Their
names are Charles John Harold, a private of the 2nd Battalion South
Staffordshire Regiment, at present on furough, and his brother Ernest, and
James Rusk. The sergeant and Constable Sargin then set off in order to
make enquiries with regard to the robbery, and after ascertaining all
particulars possible, they then set about finding out the whereabouts of the
missing property. From what information they could discover they
immediately proceeded to the house of Daniel Harold, and found five pint
bottles of whiskey concealed adjacent to the staircase, which bore same
label and brand as the missing bottles. The greatest credit is due to
Sergeant Bennister and Constables Sargin and Warrell for the prompt manner
in which they were able to deal with the case in such a short period of
time. The prisoners were brought before a magistrate, and remanded to
the Kilkeel petty sessions on Tuesday next, the 27th inst. when they will be
brought up on several charges. Saturday June 8th, 1895. INQUEST AT KILKEEL.: Yesterday Dr. Alexander Heron, J.P., coroner for the southern division of County Down, held an inquest on the body of a little boy named Thomas Phillips, son of respectable parents, residing in the townland of Ballkeel, near Kilkeel, who was accidentally drowned on the 6th inst. in a well. Mrs. Phillips, the mother of the child, deposed that after dinner the deceased went out, in company with another child, aged three years, and that when she went to look for them she found the deceases drowned in a well four feet deep, which was situated in a field close to her home. The other child was trying to rescue his brother when she came upon the scene. There was no protection around the well. Dr. Gordon, Kilkeel, deposed that there were no marks of violence on the deceased’s body. The fingers of the right hand were clasped as if the boy was trying to save his life. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was accidentally drowned at Ballykeel, and recommended that unprotected wells should have a suitable enclosure placed around them. Saturday February 1st, 1896. Before the Lord Chancellor, (In Lunacy). N. Cunningham, a Person of Unsound Mind. This was an application on behalf of Bernard Cunningham, of Moyadd, Kilkeel, County Down, the father of the lunatic, that Mr. A.F. Baker, the general solicitor for minors and lunatics, who is at present the committee of the lunatics's estate, be discharged from that office, and that the father of the lunatic, who is also his heir-at-law, be appointed in his stead as committee of his son's estate. The property to which the lunatic is entitled amounts to upwards of £3,000, producing a yearly income of £120. Mr. Cusack (instructed by Mr. Fisher, of Newry) applied, on behalf of the father, and the general solicitor was represented by Mr. A.F. Baker. The Court ordered that the applicant be appointed committee of his son's estate. Monday 22nd. June 1896 Annie Grills v Daniel McConville, This was an ejectment for overholding for the possession of a house and garden in Greencastle street Kilkeel. Mr. Moore appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. williamson, barrister at law instructed by Mr. Hanratty defended, his honour dismissed the case without prejudice. Saturday March 13th. 1897 False pretences, Annie Quinn pleaded guilty to obtaining some tea, sugar and other articles from Mr. John Orr. Kilkeel on the false pretence that the goods were for Mr. and Mrs Barklie, in whose employment she had previously been, his lordship allowed the prisoner out to come up with for judgment when called upon her finding one surety in £5, Mr Orr, the prosecutor, offered himself as surety, and the girl was released. Thursday May 5th. 1898 John McCourt, inspector of the S.P.C.A. summoned Samuel McKee of Kilkeel for having cruelly treated two horses at Warrenpoint on the 16th.One horse had two sores on the back and the other horse was covered in sores, McKee was fined 17 shillings and six pence and costs, John Cull was fined 5 shillings and costs for a similar offence Thursday Jan. 5th. 1899 Burglary, John Rooney who is slightly over sixteen years of age, was indicated for that he on the 23rd. December 1898, did feloniously break and enter the dwelling house of one Margaret Ann Hanlon, Kilkeel, and steal therefrom two purses, containing the sum of £2 one shilling and four pence, Mr Johnson prosecuted, and the prisoner was not professionally represented, the prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge, and admitted having been convicted of a felony at Kilkeel Petty Sessions on the 26th. Oct. 1897, he was sent to jail for six months. Thursday July 13th. 1899 Assault, James O'Donohue, a stoutly built young fellow attired as a sailor, answered an indictment charging him with assaulting James Small, Newry street kilkeel and stealing one shilling from him, the jury found him not guilty, and he was discharged. Sunday May 6th. 1900 Death, While cycling from Killowen to Kilkeel, Mr. Edward Morgan, of the Royal Navy, was thrown to the ground, he substained such injuries to his head that he died in a few hours. Thursday Aug. 30th. 1900 Felix Cunningham, Kilkeel was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the public street in Kilkeel on the 10th. and the 11th, complainants were constables Warrell and Howard, the defendant was ordered to be incarcerated for one calendar month in each case, the sentence in the second case to take effect at the end of the first months sentence completion. Peter Treanor, Attical, was summoned for having kept intoxicating liquor for sale without a license, Treanor was fined 40 shillings and costs, the liquor to be forfeited and sent to the workhouse. Monday 31st. December 1900 Application for compensation for criminal injuries, Robert Forsythe of Ballinran, Kilkeel, complained of the wantonly or maliciously setting fire to and burning and destroying two scutch mills, buildings and machinery, on the night of the 15th. and the morning of the 16th. October 1900. Forsythe was claiming £500 compensation. James Baird also of Ballinran was claiming compensation for the wantonly or maliciously setting fire to and burning and destroying a quanity of flax raw and scutched, on the night of the 15th. and the morning of the 16th. October 1900. James Baird was claiming compensation of £50.
Wed. April 13th. 1892 Malicious burning of a plantation, near Kilkeel. About 200 acres of plantation and mountain heather was burnt on Earl Kilmorey's property on the 9th. on the portion of the Mourne Mountains called Moyadd, another part of the mountain at Ballyvea was also maliciously burnt a week ago, a great deal of damage was done. Monday Aug. 27th, 1894 To let,September, semi detached villa to let, five bedrooms ,two sitting rooms, tennis court, bathing, in Kilkeel, £7, apply to ST 19527 News Letter. Monday Oct. 1st. 1894 Irish Mystery, The County Down police have arrested a farmer named Sloane in connection with the mysterious death of a married woman named Mrs. Lynch, near Kilkeel on Friday night. Mrs Lynch had it appears, summoned the accused for threatening lanuage, returning from the court on Friday evening, she was overtaken by Sloane, who it was alleged, had a dispute on the roadside with her, and she was found dead shortly afterwards in her own house, Sloane has been remanded pending an inquest. Saturday May 25th. 1895 Destructive fire, last night a paraffin lamp exploded in Miss Susan Doran's drapery establishment in Kilkeel, the place took fire and was completely gutted, considerable damage was done.
The President of the United States in the name of the Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor To: Thompson, Joseph H.Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, 110th Infantry, 28th Division. Place and date: Near Apremont, France, 1 October 1918. Entered service at: Beaver Falls, Pa. Born: 26 September 1871, Kilkeel, County Down, Ireland. G.O. No.: 21, W.D., 1925. Citation: Counterattacked by 2 regiments of the enemy, Maj. Thompson encouraged his battalion in the front line of constantly braving the hazardous fire of machineguns and artillery. His courage was mainly responsible for the heavy repulse of the enemy. Later in the action, when the advance of his assaulting companies was held up by fire from a hostile machinegun nest and all but 1 of the 6 assaulting tanks were disabled, Maj. Thompson, with great gallantry and coolness, rushed forward on foot 3 separate times in advance of the assaulting line, under heavy machinegun and antitank-gun fire, and led the 1 remaining tank to within a few yards of the enemy machinegun nest, which succeeded in reducing it, thereby making it possible for the infantry to advance. Private Scott, later Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant, joined the Manchester Regiment in 1895 and saw action in the Boer War at Ladysmith. On 5 January 1900 he was one of 16 soldiers who took up defensive positions at Caesar's Camp. Private Scott and one other survivor held off the enemy for 15 hours and both were awarded VC's for their actions. Company Sergeant Major Hannah, later Lieutenant, was a member of the 29th Vancouver Battalion. In 1917, during an attack at Lens, France, Hannah took charge after his officers were killed or injured and led a successful attack on a German machine gun position. For his tremendous bravery Hannah was awarded a VC. He returned to Kilkeel on March 2 1918 to a heroes welcome.
Kilkeel £10 County Electors, 1832/1840
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