James Lynchehaun is an Irish nationalist, land campaigner, and poet, born in County Mayo in 1861. He is an active participant in the Irish National Land League and the Plan of Campaign, advocating land redistribution and tenant rights in the late 19th century. His notoriety grew due to his involvement in the violent eviction of Mary and Agnes Gallagher in October 1886. Later, Lynchehaun escaped Irish prisons twice while serving time for assault and property damage, ultimately seeking refuge in the United States.

An amusing incident occurred at Clonmel when the 11 p.m. mail train from Limerick to Waterford arrived. The driver, J. Rahilly, was arrested by an acting police sergeant and a constable under suspicion of being Lynchehaun. Amidst the bewilderment, Rohilly, who was merely inspecting the vacuum tubes, found himself in the grip of the policemen who believed his grimy clothes were a disguise.

Despite his vehement protests, Rahilly was not initially believed, and only upon being positively identified by Barry, the nightman, was he finally released. This peculiar turn of events led to a considerable delay of the train and left the policemen both embarrassed and red-faced.

Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph – Thursday 09 October 1902