MURDER OF HEFFERNAN
Thomas Clanchy, and Patrick Clanchy, were arraigned for the wilful murder of Thomas Heffernan, of Dromlochrea, by a gun-shot wound, on the 13th December last. They severally pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to come at the sitting of the court to-morrow (Tuesday).
Messrs O'Hea and Coppinger are retained for the defense.
Freeman's Journal, Dublin, 26 February 1845
"Dromlochrea" townland was reported in other newspaper accounts as "Drumloughra", the same townland name as reported on the Tithe Applotment books of 1824 — the year as reported by the National Archives of Ireland.
http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarc ... rch=Search
Previously, in several prior postings, I had stated that the year of the Tithe Applotment books for Inchicronan Parish was 1834 since 20 October 1834 was the date reported in the Clare Library's Tithe Applotment index of occupiers of land for that parish:
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... ronane.htm
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... an_tab.htm
In viewing the actual Tithe Applotment book for Inchicronan at the Family Search website (much easier to scroll between pages than the National Archives website), on page 15 of 42, at the top right corner is written "Rec'd October 20th, 1834" and then some initials. There are no other dates on the individual Tithe pages which list each tenant by townland (Drumloughra is on page 23 of 42). However, starting on page 35 are the "certificate" pages signed by the landlords, three of which are dated 1824, and one dated 1826. Thus, 1824 is the more accurate year for the Tithe Applotment books of Inchicronan Parish.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VX5S-49N
The decade difference between 1824 and 1834 is critical to determine who was who in Drumloughra townland. Specifically, Connor Heffernan of 1824 Tithes in Drumloughra could not be the Cornelius Heffernan (≈1809 - 1874) reported in 1855 Griffith Valuation in nearby Gortaniska townland as he would be too young in 1824, but he would have been a possibility if the year was 1834.
Sheila, thank you very much for providing the 1870 marriage record of Patrick Loughery (son of Cornelius) to Sarah Cotter, where he listed his residence as Drumloughrey. This is a very important clue that Drumloughra townland would later be called Knockreddan townland. Given the theory that "Drumloughrey" stands for "Loughery's Hill", I agree that it is odd that there were no Loughery's listed on the 1824 Tithe Applotment. I also wonder what happened to the four "Heuchen" individuals (Michael, John, Owen, William) who occupied neighboring Boskobell townland in 1824. An unusual surname that appears to disappear from later Crusheen records. Sheila, last December you used your Irish language skills (and confirmed by consulting MacLysaght) to determine that a "Commane" family of Knockreddan had become "Hurley", or maybe it was the other way around, due to a hurley translated in Irish as a "camán". I wonder if there is also an Irish language explanation for the apparent disappearance of the Heuchen's from not just Boscobel (later Knockreddan) townland but also from Crusheen Parish?
The trial in July 1845 of the brothers Thomas Clancy and Patrick Clancy for the murder of Thomas Heffernan is full of clues as to the mysterious location of Drumloughra townland. And since Crusheen baptism records don't start until 1860, the witness testimony allows the creation of a Heffernan family tree as well as information on their Crusheen neighbors that would not be possible due to the lack of other early 19th century records for Inchicronan parish. Plus, with the murder taking place in December 1844, the detailed testimony provides interesting insight into Irish village life just prior to the Great Famine.
Interestingly, Bryan O'Loghlen, the father or grandfather of recently discussed Anna Maria Stapleton of Viewmount, was a member of the jury at the murder trial.
ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE
CLARE—ENNIS, TUESDAY.
(FROM OUR REPORTER)
CROWN COURT.
(Before the Right Hon. the Lord Chief Baron,)
MURDER OF HEFFERNAN
The court this morning was much crowded, owing to the case of the Queen against Thomas and Patrick Clancy, for the murder of Thomas Heffernan, having been specially fixed for trial. At nine o'clock the Chief Baron entered court, when the long panel was called over, and after fifteen challenges for the prisoners, the following jury sworn:—Strettle Scott, Bryan O'Loghlen, Robert H. Borough, William Arthur, Daniel O'Grady, Thomas Sugard, John Hodge, Jonas Studdart, John Macbeth, Francis Healy, David Ievers, Ralph Cullinan.
The prisoners, Thomas Clancy and Patrick Clancy were put then in charge for the wilful murder of Thomas Heffernan, at Drumloghera, on the 13th of December last, by shooting at him with a certain gun, and inflicting one mortal wound of which he instantly died. There were two other counts in the indictment charging each of the prisoners severally, as a principal, and the other as aiding and abetting.
Mr. Bennett, Q.C., the Hon. Mr. Plunket, Mr. Herrick, and Mr. Hunt appeared for the crown, and Messrs. O'Hea and Coppinger for the defence.
Mr. Bennett briefly stated the case for the crown. After alluding to the circumstances attending the murder, as they afterwards appeared in evidence, the learned gentleman proceeded to say that the only question the jury had to determine was whether two prisoners were the persons that murdered him. There were some circumstances connected with the case which it was necessary they should be informed of — a person of the name of John Clancy, who was brother of the prisoner[s], was in possession of some ground, and the deceased Thomas Heffernan, a short time before the unhappy occurrence [murder], brought an ejectment against him to recover possession of this ground. John Clancy being in possession, unfortunately, instead of by law defending the possession, took up that species of murderous legislation too prevalent in this country. Heffernan succeeded at law, although the habere [a writ of execution in ejectment] was not executed, and Pat Clancy, one of the prisoners, was heard to say that John Clancy ought to stick Heffernan if he dared to take possession, to which John Clancy replied that he would take the life of any man who would make such an attempt. The learned gentleman again referred to the main facts of the case.
Mr. John Todd, sub sheriff, was produced for the purpose of proving the habere; the parties, defendants, were Catherine Heffernan and John Clancy; it was executed on the 7th of Jul, and the test bore date of the 28th of May.
Mr. Michael Ryan proved and attested copy of the judgment in ejectment the parties were Thomas Heffernan, plaintiffs, and Catherine Heffernan and John Clancy defendants; the action was on the title, and the date of the judgment was 19th Nov. 1844.
Mary Heffernan examined by Mr. Plunkett—I am the widow of Thomas Heffernan; he lived at Drumloghera in this county and is now dead; I recollect the day, the 13th Dec. last, when he was killed; I was in the house that day; his son, Patrick, a boy about five years old, and a daughter of his [Margaret, who will later testify] were in the house also; they are my step children; I knew John Clancy, he is nothing to me; two persons came to my house about one or two o'clock on that day; my brother Paddy Grady, and Connor Heffernan, a son to a cousin [Michael Heffernan] of my husband's, were in the house; my husband was in one of the rooms where he used to keep the mare; I was in the kitchen with the other persons; the men who came in had grey riding coats on; one of them asked my brother Paddy where was the man of the house; my brother said he was gone out, and the man then said, "You lie you rascal;" they walked over to the room where he was and shoved in the door; I then heard a shot and I became at once dazzled when I saw the lightning entirely in the room; the men then walked back through the kitchen; they went to the door and I followed them and made an offer [attempt] to catch one of their riding coats; one of the men turned in and drew out some round thing from his coat; I don't know that it was a pistol, or blunderbuss, as I never saw one; he pointed it at me and they then walked away; I went into the room and had the child in my arms (Witness here became much affected.)
Mr. Plunkett—My lord, there are some facts upon which I intended to examine this witness, but I think it better not to do so as we can have them from others.
Court—Very well, Mr. Plunkett.
Examination resumed—I saw them plainly.
Do you see them now? Indeed I wouldn't like to see them again.
Did you know John Clancy's brothers, Tom and Pat? I did know them, but I don't think I'd know them now; my husband and John Clancy were not on good terms, nor was he on good terms with Pat Clancy—(witness was here asked to identify the prisoners, but she became so much affected that it was deemed necessary to remove her from court).
Mr. Henry Whitestone, C.E., was produced to prove a map of the scene of murder with the relative positions as regarded distance, &c, of the houses of the prisoners and of the deceased.
Mary Heffernan recalled—I was never present when Tom or Pat Clancy disagreed with my husband, but my husband often told me of such things; he was in the habit of fastening the doors of the house every night with crowbars since the time of the record.
The witness was not cross-examined.
Patrick Grady examined by Mr. Herrick—I remember the day that Tom Heffernan was shot; I was in the home that day; his wife is a sister of mine; Con Heffernan was there, and also the son and daughter of the deceased; I saw two persons come into the house soon after dinner hour; I was sitting by the fire at the time; one of them asked me where was the man of the house; I said he was gone out and he then answered "you lie you rascal, his is not;" there was a room at the left-hand side, in which Heffernan was, and the man who spoke went over to the door; I stooped down my head; the other man went over also, and when I found their backs turned I ran out, as I was afraid of being shot; the men wore loose coats thrown over their shoulders; I knew the men—their names were Tom and Pat Clancy, (identifies them) and knew the men before; I knew them well for several years; I heard a shot immediately after leaving the house; my sister and the little girl and boy were there after me; I went for help, and at last I got Heffernan's servant boy to come with me; his name was John Ward; we returned to the house and we saw him again in the corner; there was blood on him, and he died I think in less than a quarter of an hour; the women were shouting and crying, and the deceased said "let ye pray for my soul". A man named Michael McAllan was reading for him; I did not tell all this at the coroner's inquest; Heffernan was killed on a Friday, and the inquest was held next day; I gave my information to Capt. Leyne, I was not there all the time that M'Allan was there.
Cross-examined by Mr. O'Hea—I think I was always on the same word; I told the first man I met that I saw two men; I did not tell him who the men were, nor did I tell Capt. Leyne the first time who they were; they asked me at the inquest if I knew them, and I said I did not; I came back from before Heffernan died; he was then able to speak; I heard M'Allan reading the Litany, but I did not hear the deceased answer it.
Connor Heffernan (a boy aged about 12 years) examined—I knew Thomas Heffernan; he was my second cousin; I lived near him, and was in his house the day he was killed; I know the Clancy's; Tom Heffernan was in the horse's room settling hay for the horse when Tom Clancy and Pat Clancy came in; Tom asked where was the man of the house, and Paddy Grady said he was out; Tom Clancy then said "you lie, you rascal, he is not;" Paddy Clancy had a gun in his hand; they went to the room where Tom Heffernan was; I ran out and went to my mother's, and said the war was in; my mother was in the garden with my father and the little girl; ran up to say that the two Clancys came in and shot Tom Heffernan; I did not hear a shot myself, as the day was too windy; when they left the house they went towards the mountain; Paddy Clancy had the leg of his trowsers turned up, as it was torn, and he had John Clancy's loose coat on; I know it to be John Clancy's because I cut the buttons out of it a couple of days before: it was then on the wall drying; Tom Clancy had his own coat on him; it was like every riding coat; he had a short breeches and grey stockings on; when I saw them go over the mountains my father asked me to go for the cows, and I would not, I was so much afraid; I knew them well before that day as they used to be in our village, Dromloghera; Tom Clancy had a pistol in his hand; I did not go to the house after that until he was buried; the widow remained in the house (witness identified the prisoners).
Cross-examined by Mr. Coppinger—Michael Heffernan is my father; I said I was second cousin to the deceased; Mrs. Tenet told me that she lives near the police barracks; she is a good woman; she gives me bread and tea for breakfast, and meat for dinner; she told me she was very fond of Tom Heffernan, and often said he was a very good fellow, and that it was a pity he was shot; I am living with her since last assizes; she used to be talking of him every evening; Margy Heffernan lived there also; Mr. Tenent is a policeman; when talking of this he used to say that the Clancy's were desperate fellows, and they ought to be hanged for killing my poor cousin; Mrs. Tenet told me to tell it was the riding coats they had (sensation). I lived with my father before this; the people there used to be talking of the murder every evening, and saying it was all about the land; I used to be every day in Tom Heffernan's house; there are two kitchen doors to the house; the room that the men were in was at the left-hand side, as you came in; Paddy Grady ran out first; he went to his own house near the lake; I was sitting by the fire when they came into the house.
Re-examined by Mr. Bennett—I told Mrs. Tenet what I saw, before she told me anything; I told her everything I told here to-day.
Margaret Heffernan examined by Hunt—I am daughter of the late Thomas Heffernan; I recollect the day my father was shot; I was in the house that day; Paddy Grady, my stepmother, and Connor Heffernan, were there also; two men came in, one of them had a gun, and the other had a pistol; they had riding coats on; one of them asked where was the man of the house, and Paddy Grady and my stepmother said he was out; "you lie, you rascal," said one of them; I know the men; they were the two Clancys—(Identifies them); I am positive that these are the two men; they went over to the room, and overturned a tub of water on the potatoes; they were bruising in the door, and they made a great deal of smoke and noise about the room; they then went out; Paddy Grady and Connor Heffernan went away before the men came back from the room, and Mrs. Heffernan attempted to catch one of them by the coat; one of the men had a long trowser on, and the other a short one; I saw them going out, but did not see them afterwards; there are two doors to the house, one in front, and the other at the back; they came in at the back door and went out by the other.
Cross-examined by Mr. O'Hea—All the neighbours came into the house immediately after; they began to cry and talk about the murder; they did not say it occurred about the land; I went for Michael Heffernan; I saw M'Allan praying; my father desired them kneel down and pray; I did not hear them answering the Litany; I was back before M'Allan came; I head the Clancys were taken up next morning; I saw John Clancy handcuffed; he was taken up at once, but he was not one of the two men; I was at home until last assizes, but I stopped at Mrs. Sinnot's since; he used to be talking about the Clancy's and the clothes they wore; Tom Clancy had a gun and Pat had a pistol, I am quite sure of that; it was Paddy who asked where the man of the house was, the other man said nothing; they had riding coats on; we used to be talking about the coats at Mrs. Tenet's.
Re-examined by Mr. Hunt—It was not long after the firing shot that M'Allen came; I heard my father desire him to light a candle and pray, but I heard him say nothing else.
Nancy Heffernan examined by Mr. Plunkett—Thomas Heffernan was my brother; I was living with John Clancy the time my brother was killed; Clancy was married to my sister; I was living with him since the November before; I knew Clancy's two brothers, Thomas and Patrick; on the day Tom was murdered I saw them passing down the house towards his place; they came down the hill; there is a sort of yard between John Clancy's house and Tom Heffernan's; they were not many yards away when I saw them; they went to Tom Heffernan's; I knew the men for eight years, they used to come often to the village; I was sitting by the fire at the time they passed; I could see them plainly through the window; I went to the door and lost sight of them when they got to Heffernan's house (identifies the prisoners); they wore two large grey riding coats; I knew a riding coat which John Clancy had; I saw it a day or two before the murder, but did not see it since; the police came there to look for it; John Clancy used to wear the coat before that time; I heard a shot fired; John Clancy was in the bog that day; I did not see anybody with him there; M'Allen came in with him; Clancy and M'Allen went out when the shot was fired but they said nothing; I did not see the prisoners at all after the shot was fired; I saw the prisoner Pat Clancy with John Clancy in the Month of May before; there was a handle of a pitchfork lying beside him, and he said it would be a good deed to knock the head of Tom Heffernan with that before he got possession of the land; John Clancy said nothing then.
Cross-examined by Mr. Coppinger—John Clancy is married about two years; he was in the habit of coming to that place for eight years' before, as his sister was married in the village; I lived with my first cousin [Michael Heffernan, presumably] before, and came to John Clancy; he lived near Crusheen; I am not married, but I had one child; I remember the 6th of March last; I lived with my mother in John Clancy's house then; he said he had no welcome for me as I wouldn't work for him; but he never turned me out, nor said I should not come there; I got the pretty shawl, and gown, and apron I have on from Mr. Kelly, the police officer; I swore an information in this case; that was, I believe, about 6th March, but it was not the day after John Clancy told me he had no welcome for me; I did not go to John Clancy's after; I did not see John Clancy speaking to two men in the bog, in the meadow, or near the wood of Derryvinnane; I did not go to Mr. Butler to complain of Clancy, but I went part of the way; I came next morning to Ennis and I went to Captain Leyne; I made an information. (Mr. Coppinger here referred o the original information of the witness, for the purpose of showing a discrepancy in her present statement as regards seeing John Clancy with the two men in the wood). I swore on the table here to-day that I did not see two men in the bog, or in the meadow, but I saw them in the wood of Derryvinnane; I heard nothing about a reward in this case; I have not had any money since I came to town; I live with Mr. Crean—he is not a policeman—he is a head-constable (laughter).
Re-examined by Mr. Plunkett—John Clancy never before this day said I had no welcome at his place; I sent a policeman for my clothes to his house before I got the clothes from Mr. Kelly.
P.M. Cullinan, Esq., M.D., examined by Mr. Hunt—I recollect the time Heffernan was killed; I saw him after death; there was a wound on his right side, and about 12 inches of the great bowel protruded; the wound passed through his liver, and in the bowel behind this I found about fifty small pellets of lead; I have no doubt these caused his death.
William Coolegan, sub-constable of police, examined—He proved the relative situations of the houses of prisoners and deceased, and that by one route he travelled the distance in forty-nine minutes, and by another thirty minutes; the weather was then very moist; at the time of the murder the weather was dry; I went on one occasion to [John] Clancy's house, to look for a great coat, and at another time to get clothes for Nancy Heffernan; I did not get either.
Cross-examined by Mr. O'Hea—I walked faster than I did when I travelled the road between Clancy's house [the prisoner's] and Heffernan's; when I went by the mountain pass I occasionally ran; I had no great coat on me, nor had I any accoutrements; my stock was on.
Henry George Kelly, sub-inspector of police, examined by Mr. Plunkett—I was in John Clancy's house; the fireplace is in the middle of the house; there is a window in the house, and sitting at the fire, I could see persons coming down the boreen; I myself sat in the position described by Nancy Heffernan.
To the Chief Baron—I was in Heffernan's house; there are two doors to it.
Cross-examined by Mr. Coppinger—The window in Clancy's house is the usual height from the floor of windows in cabins.
The case for the crown here close, and
Mr. Coppinger, at great length, and with considerable power, addressed the court for the defense, and proceeded to call the following witnesses . . .
Freeman's Journal, Thursday, 17 July 1845
At this point the reporting by the
Freeman's Journal becomes rather weak, and it completely ignored the defense attorney's opening argument of "great length" and their coverage of the defense witnesses was also poor. Fortunately, the
Limerick Chronicle provided excellent news reporting:
. . . .
Mr. Coppingers submitted that it was the duty of the Crown to have produced Mick Allen [Michael McAllen], who was with the deceased, and read prayers for him before he died.
Mr. Plunkett said they had produced all the witnesses whose names appeared on the back of the indictment.
Mr. Coppinger referred his Lordship to page 875, of vol. 2, of Hayes, where it was laid down that in a case of murder the crown ought to produce any one who could give fair evidence, whether favourable to the accused or not.
His Lordship held that as Mick Allen had not sworn an information, the Crown was considered to know nothing of him.
Mr. Coppinger then said it became his duty to address the Jury on this awfully important occasion, on behalf of the wretched men in the dock, whose future existence solely depended upon their verdict of guilty or not guilty. They were charged as being principals in one of the most heinous crimes known to the law—wilful murder—a crime revolting to the law of God, which had forbidden it, and the law of the land followed out the divine law, by requiring blood for blood—"for whosoever spilleth the blood of his fellow-man, his blood shall be spilled." His unfortunate clients stood charged with that foul, heinous, and abominable crime, and it therefore behooved the jury not lightly to form their opinion and judgment on probabilities, but to weigh well the entire circumstances connected with the transaction, and if they had a shadow of doubt on their minds, it behooved them to give the prisoner the benefit of it. That this atrocious murder was committed in noon-day, and the unfortunate victim sacrificed in the presence of his heart-broken and bereaved family, there was not a doubt. The very condition of the wretched widow of Heffernan on that table—her sufferings and sorrow were sufficient to arouse the breasts of all who saw her feelings of just indignation and horror against the blood-thirsty savages that murdered her husband. But the whole question is, who the murderers were, and on the identity of the prisoners depended the result of the trial. Mr. Coppinger then proceeded to animadvert [speak out against] on the evidence, and pointed out discrepancies in the testimony given by the witness. He dwelt on the circumstance of the children, (to whom he could not impute improper motives)—having been tutored by Mrs. Terrott; Grady's running away with fright, and Catherine Heffernan's [should be Nancy Heffernan; Catherine is the mother who did not testify] not swearing her informations until March, when she was turned off by John Conway [newspaper error, John Clancy]. He [Mr. Coppinger] totally denied that any or either of them had sufficient opportunity to identify the prisoners, when Mrs. Heffernan, who held one of them by the coat, and saw his face—who knew the Clanchy's, who knew they were unfriendly to her husband—could not take on herself to do so.
The defence set up for the prisoner was an alibi.
John McNamara sworn and examined by Mr. O'Hea—I am the brother-in-law of the Clanchys; I am married to their sister; I remember the day of the murder; it was on a Friday; I heard of it next day; Tom Clanchy's servant boy came to see me on Friday morning and asked me to allow my son to go break flax for him; I was in bed when he came; when I got up I went out in the field; I met Tom Clanchy, and he asked me to go settle stumps; there is only a quarter of a mile difference between our two houses; I went with him and saw Pat Clanchy, his wife, and my little boy and the servant-boy there; Patt and myself went over to Broughan's to cut sticks; it is only 25 yards from the house; when I went to Broughan's I cut the sticks and went back to Clanchy's with them; on my return Tom and his wife were in the house; I left Patt after me at Broughan's; I went home; my little boy remained at Tom Clanchy's; it was about 11 o'clock at that time I left; Heffernan's house was four miles off.
Thomas McNamara, son to the last witness, corroborated his father's testimony, adding that after his father went home, Tom Clanchy said he would go off to Linnane's to get his shoes mended; Linnane lived near the cross at Spancil-hill—he came back that day while witness was in the house, and brought rods with him to make gads for tying cows; he saw him go out to the cow house with them; remembers the Hogan's coming to the place while he was in the cow house; he did not go home until night fall; Tom Clanchy was in and out from the cow house, all the day; Paddy [Clanchy] assisted to break flax in the evening.
Thomas Ievers, Clanchy's servant boy, deposed to the same effect.
Michael Sullivan swore that the two Clanchys were in his house, about one o'clock, the day of the murder; they lived within 100 yards of his dwelling.
Thomas and Patrick Hogan swore that they went to Clanchy's house on the 13th December, about three and four o'clock, and were bargaining about a cow, but did not agree; both the Clanchys were there.
John McMahon swore that he saw Patt M'Mahon [newspaper error, should by Patt Clanchy] in Linnane's (the shoemaker's) house about one or two o'clock, and Michael Linnane corroborated this evidence.
Martin O'Connor swore that he met Patt Clanchy coming home from Linnane's, and walked part of the road with him.
Mr. Plunkett replied to evidence for the Crown.
The Chief Baron's charge occupied until nine o'clock, at which hour the Jury retired, and at ten came into court with a verdict of "not guilty," which was received with cheers by the crowds outside the court.
In consequence of this disrespectful exhibition, his Lordship directed the prisoners to be taken back to gaol until morning, when they were discharged.
The Court the adjourned.
Limerick Chronicle, Saturday, 19 July 1845
The first newspaper account of the July trial for the murder of Thomas Heffernan I had read was by the
Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser. I was truly shocked that Thomas Clancy and Patrick Clancy were found to be not guilty, but this was only due to their very biased newspaper coverage. Under the title "The Crusheen Murder Case", the exact same headline as Patrick McNamara of Knocknamearicaun townland in 1880 (see page 44), they only noted that the defense attorney, Mr. Coppinger, had "addressed the jury for an hour and a half", but none of his actual speech. Plus, they provided the testimony of only one defense witness, Thomas McNamara. The more complete coverage by the
Limerick Chronicle not only provided evidence of the innocence of the two accused, but additional clues on the location of the defendants' home townland as John McNamara, a neighbor of Thomas Clancy, stated that he lived four miles from the Heffernan's of Drumloughra.
The Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser did provide a few important clues. They reiterated that Thomas Clancy lived some four miles from Thomas Heffernan and also the location of the Heffernan home in relation to Derryvett Wood, an important clue as to the location of Thomas Heffernan's home in Drumloughra that the newspapers outside of Clare skipped over:
Henry Whitestone, Esq., Coroner, produced a map of the place where the murder was committed, the distance is 4¾ miles and some yards from [Thomas] Heffernans to [Thomas] Clanchy's to Heffernans; the wood of Derryvett to Tom Heffernans is ¼ mile distant 355 yards.
Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser, Thursday, 17 July 1845
To the east of Knockreddan townland is Derryvett townland. In viewing the "modern map" on the askaboutireland website, the majority of Derrvett falls within a natural heritage area named "Oysterman's Marsh". On the "historical map" there were a cluster of home in the eastern portion of Derryvett townland, and at first I believed that this was where the Heffernan murder took place, and that the two assailants in making their escape travelled west crossing the wooden areas marked in the map. However, the cluster of homes on the historical map were a fair distance apart from each other. Plus, the surnames of those who lived there were not a good fit. Next, I considered a group of homes labeled "Derryveena" in Derrycalliff townland, north of Derryvett. However, Derrycalliff is in Quin-Clooney Parish, and thus could not possibly be the location of Drumloughra townland since it was identified as in Inchicronan Parish in the 1824 Tithes.
Viewing the historical map, a fairly close together grouping of five or six homes located in Plot 3 of Knockreddan townland was most surely called Drumloughra townland at the time of 1824 Tithe Applotments, as well as at the 1845 trial for the murder of Thomas Heffernan. Interestingly, at the time of 1855 Griffith Valuation, Plot 3 of Knockreddan, 133 acres, was held by Patrick Loughry. While I now know the exact location of "Drumloughra", it is still a mystery if the meaning was the "Hill of the Loughery's" or the "Hill of the Rushes", (luachair in Irish = rushes).
Plot 2 of Knockreddan was the location of Boscobel House, 51 acres, also held by Patrick Loughry (lessor for both plots 2 and 3 was James Butler). This Patrick Loughery was the grandfather of Patrick Loughery of the Crusheen Invincibles, who married Sarah Cotter in 1878 and, as a widower, Ellen Moloney, in 1885.
Heffernan's of Drumloughra (Knockreddan) townland of Inchincronan (Crusheen) Parish
1.0 Connor Heffernan
Reported along with Francis Heffernan and Michael McAllen as occupiers of Drumloughra townland on the 1824 Tithe Applotments.
There were three Heffernan houses in Dromloughera townland in December 1844, identified in the testimony of Connor Heffernan, the son of Michael Heffernan. Plus a fourth Heffernan house noted in the testimony of Nancy Heffernan, where Mrs. Catherine Heffernan lived with her daughter and son-in-law, John Clancy:
. . . I ran over to my own house [his father, Michael Heffernan's]; I ran up to the garden I know the little boreen (path way) between John Clanchy's and [Thomas] Heffernan's; I saw the two men go away; I was sitting by the fire when they went out of the house [Thomas Heffernan's]; I know Connor Heffernan's, it is the last on the village; they went down towards Connor Heffernan's; they did not go down the little road that leads to the potato garden, but went up the bog; I was a little start at the fire; I know the wood of Dervenane; I know the wood of Derrivett; Thomas Clanchy had his own coat on . . .
Clare Journal, and Ennis Advertiser, Thursday, 17 July 1845
"Connor Heffernan's" could possibly be the Connor Heffernan of Drumloughra townland in the 1824 Tithe Applotments. Or else possibly the Cornelius Heffernan (≈1809 - 1874) of nearby Gortaniska townland in the 1855 Griffith Valuation.
............ 1.1 Michael Heffernan, a first cousin of the murdered Thomas Heffernan, he did not testify at the trial. Since his son was named "Connor", very likely Michael was the son of Connor Heffernan as reported in the 1824 Tithe Applotments. Unknown wife, but she was still living in December 1844, as their son Connor ran to her after the murder.
........................... 1.1.1 Connor Heffernan (≈1835 - ?) according to 1845 trial testimony his age was between 8 and 12 years old, depending upon the newspaper.
Possibly, Michael Heffernan had a younger brother . . .
............ 1.2 Cornelius Heffernan (≈1809 - 1874) of neighboring Gortaniska townland. See 3.1 below for another possible relationship.
2.0 Unknown Heffernan married to
Mrs. Catherine Heffernan (unknown maiden name)
The "Unknown Heffernan" could possibly be the
Francis Heffernan reported in Drumloughra townland at 1824 Tithe Applotments, but no supporting evidence such as a grandchild named Francis.
Mrs. Catherine Heffernan was living with her unnamed married daughter, son-in-law John Clancy, as well as unmarried daughter Nancy Heffernan in 1844 / 1845. Prior to his murder, Thomas Heffernan, had gone to the authorities for an ejectment of both Catherine Heffernan (his own mother) and John Clancy (his brother-in-law), with a date of judgment of 19 November 1844.
Mrs. Catherine Heffernan might have been a McNamara, such that her granddaughter, Margaret, was a cousin of the Patrick McNamara family of Knockreddan (Plot 5 at Griffith Valuation) as reported in the 1851 census (see page 43).
............ 2.1 Thomas Heffernan (≈1784 - 1844)
A first cousin of Michael Heffernan (1.1 above). Thomas Heffernan was murdered in Drumloughra on the 13th of December 1844. "Heffernan was a small farmer, and about 60 years of age" according to the Cork Examiner of 18 December 1844. Unknown first wife, who died young, with whom Thomas had two children:
........................... 2.1.1 Margaret Heffernan, orphaned upon the murder of her father in 1844, quite likely the 14 year-old Margaret Heffernan reported as a cousin in the 1851 census of Patrick McNamara of Knockreddan (see page 43).
........................... 2.1.2 Patrick Heffernan, "a boy about five" according to the 1845 testimony of his step-mother, Mary Grady Heffernan.
The widower
Thomas Heffernan was then was married to
Mary Grady, sister of
Patrick Grady (who lived "near the lake" according to the testimony of young Connor Heffernan). Both Grady siblings testified at the trial, but only Patrick Grady identified Thomas and Patrick Clancy as the assailants (something he failed to do at the start of the investigation).
............ 2.2 Nancy Heffernan, identified at the trial as the sister of the murdered Thomas Heffernan, and daughter of Mrs. Catherine Heffernan. She had been living in the John Clancy household with her mother, sister and brother-in-law.
........................... 2.2.1 Child Heffernan, born out of wedlock
............ 2.3 Unnamed Heffernan Daughter, in 1845 had been married to
John Clancy (the brother of the two Clancy defendants) about two years according to trial testimony, or about 1843.
Possibly . . . the parents of:
........................... 2.3.1 Mary Clancy (age 45 in 1901, age 51 in 1911)
Mary Clancy, of Kilfidane, daughter of farmer
John Clancy (deceased), married
Martin McMahon, of Kilfidane, son of farmer
John McMahon, on 29 May 1883, at the Catholic chapel in Ennis, by the parish priest Thomas Hogan; witnesses John Garvey and Minnie McMahon.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 996328.pdf
Martin McMahon and
Mary Clancy were the parents of nine children, six living as reported in the 1911 census:
<Kilvoydane South, Spancilhill, House 3; House 1>
........................................... 2.3.1.1 Thomas McMahon (age 17 in 1901) <Kilvoydane South, Spancilhill, House 3; House 1>
........................................... 2.3.1.2 Patrick McMahon (age 14 in 1901) <Kilvoydane South, Spancilhill, House 3; x>
........................................... 2.3.1.3 Bridget McMahon (age 12 in 1901) <Kilvoydane South, Spancilhill, House 3; House 1>
........................................... 2.3.1.4 Minnie McMahon (age 10 in 1901) <Kilvoydane South, Spancilhill, House 3; House 1>
........................................... 2.3.1.5 Catherine McMahon (age 6 in 1901) <Kilvoydane South, Spancilhill, House 3; House 1>
........................................... 2.3.1.6 Infant McMahon (1897 - 1897)
........................................... 2.3.1.7 Elizabeth McMahon (age 3 in 1901) <Kilvoydane South, Spancilhill, House 3; House 1>
........................................... 2.3.1.8 Unknown McMahon
........................................... 2.3.1.9 Unknown McMahon
Heffernan's of Gortaniska townland in Inchicronan (Crusheen) Parish
Gortaniska townland is north of Cappamore which is just north of Knockreddan.
3.0 John Heffernan (≈1790 ? - died prior to 1855)
Was named in the 1874 marriage of his son, Thomas.
Possibly, John Heffernan was also the father of Cornelius,
............ 3.1 Cornelius Heffernan (≈1809 - 1874), the tenant at Plot 32a (small garden, 2 shillings, lessor Patrick Reynolds) and Plot 32b (house and office, 10 shillings, lessor Austin Butler) of Gortaniska townland in Inchicronan parish in the 1855 Griffith Valuation. Connor Heffernan, of Gurtaniska, widower, age 65, labourer, died on 15 April 1874; informant
Thomas Heffernan present at death Gurtaniska.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 248434.pdf
Cornelius Heffernan could
possibly be the brother of Thomas Heffernan who was the informant in 1874 on his civil death record. In which case, Cornelius would also be the son of John Heffernan. However, they could just as likely be cousins. And Cornelius Heffernan (≈1809 - 1874) could possibly be the son of Conner Heffernan of Dromloughra townland of 1824 Tithe Applotment (1.0 above)?
............ 3.2 Thomas Heffernan (≈1817 - 1887) of Gurthaniska, "age 50", single, laborer,
son of labourer John Heffernan, married
Ellen Mullins, of Ballinruan, "age 30", single,
daughter of labourer Patt Mullins on 3 February 1872 at the Catholic chapel at Crusheen by the curate Martin Meagher; witnesses John Fitzgibbon and Mary McEnery. There are no Heffernan children (of any Heffernan father) reported in the Crusheen baptism register of 1860-1900.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 145685.pdf
At the three trials of Patrick McNamara of Thimbletown, Gortnamearicaun townland in 1878, out of many witnesses on the day of the murder of Patrick Kearney, Thomas Heffernan was the only witness to positively identify McNamara as the assailant. Although acquitted three times for this murder, Patrick McNamara was exiled to the United States and settled in Jackson County, Michigan. See story on page 44 for his return to Ireland from exile in 1923.
Thomas Heffernan (≈1817 - 1887), a married farmer of Gortaniska, age 70, died on 28 February 1887, informant was Ellen Heffernan (≈1825 - 1900). Ellen Heffernan, a widow of a labourer, from Gortaniska, age 75, died at the Ennis Workhouse on 3 September 1900; informant Thomas O'Gloghlen of the workhouse.
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The defense witnesses for Thomas Clancy and Patrick Clancy were able to establish a solid alibi for the brothers which led to their not guilty verdict. The residence of the Clancy brothers was never stated during the trial, other than it was four miles from Drumloughra townland. However, as neighbors, the testimony of the defense witnesses provided many important clues as to what townland the accused Clancy brothers were living in 1844.
To be continued,