The Riots at Connemara – The Times (London) – April 19, 1879
A row occurred in the schoolhouse at Omey Island between Mr.
McNeice and the Reverend Mr. Rhatigan – The following is a summary of the
appearance before the magistrates.
Constable Michael Murphy deposed that he was stationed at
Cleggin on Sunday, the third of March with five men, and he went to Mass with
three of them. The Rev. Mr. Rhatigan officiated, and before the service was
concluded, he addressed the congregation: “I wish to give notice to anyone
outside who wishes to take down my words and convey them to the magistrates, or
whom they like—I mean the police. You are aware of what occurred at Omey Island
on the 20th of last month (March)—that I was near being murdered by
six persons in the church at Omey Island.” He gave the names of McNeice and his
wife, daughter, and son, and the teacher Davis, and a man named Coursey from Claddaghduff.
Mr. Rhatigan appeared somewhat agitated, and said that from
the treatment he had received, he should not be surprised if the people tore
down the church. He did not say what church; but he alluded to the church at
Omey Island. He added that if such a thing occurred in Mayo or Tipperary, the
people would not stand it, and that if the people were ever insulted by
“jumpers” [Catholic converts to the Protestant faith] to resent it to the last.
He then called on the people to attend to Clifden—if necessary, every man,
woman, and child in the parish—and show that they were no cowards and loved
their faith better than the world. He charged them [his parishioners] with
being cowardly—so cowardly that one would imagine when they were talking to a
magistrate or the police that they were actually standing on the Queen’s toes.
