School: Coone, Leighlinbridge (roll number 5713)

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1. Whiteboys (continued)

   

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   The whole case for the prosecution rested on their ability to prove that the three men were absent long enough to have been to Lockett’s , she, not realising the import of the question, immediately answered that they would have had ample time to be there. Thus satisfied, the State was not long in bringing in a verdict of guilty. And the three accused were sentenced to death. They were hanged in Kilkenny Gaol, and it was widely asserted at the time that they were innocent. Many there were who hinted darkly that the trial was framed, and that the real culprit was well known, but was of the right colour, so escaped.

   Paul Kinsella’s grandfather was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of being a Whiteboy. He and some others were confined in the room occupied by the Somers before the trial. Each night the Rosary was said, and they distinctly saw the three executed men pacing the room. All their bodies were visible, except their heads, which were in shadow. Immediately the prayers were finished, the three men disappeared. This went on for three months, until the men were released. None of them ever spoke to the ghostly visitors, or molested them in any way.

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. agents (~1)
      1. people
         1. secret societies (~18)
            1. Whiteboys (~74)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Eamonn de Paor

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Teacher

   Informant

   Paul Kinsella

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Coan, Co. Kilkenny