Abbeyfeale, Thursday – A few nights ago, an alarming altercation took place involving four young farmers from Knockanure and Meengnaraheeny, in the Rockchapel district. The conflict unfolded after the men, who were travelling back home from Mountcollins in a jennet and cart, allegedly shouted offensive names and threw stones at Daniel Curtin and his son as they passed their dwelling in Knockooleare.

Enraged, Curtin reportedly grabbed a pair of tongs, while other members of his family, including his two sons, armed themselves with a shovel and pike. The altercation escalated, and the weapons were used against their opponents, resulting in injuries to two men named Murphy, with one being stabbed by a pike. Mr W. L. Creagh-Harnett, J.P., and Mr John S. Dalton, C.P.S., subsequently visited Meengraheeny to take the deposition of one of the injured men. District Inspector Cruise was also present to represent the Crown.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Denis Curtin, Daniel’s son, was arrested and remanded by Mr W. L Creagh Harnett, J.P., to the next Petty Sessions, on charges of stabbing Murphy with a pitchfork. David Murphy, who suffered a fractured ankle in the fracas, remains in shock, while Curtin’s family maintains their innocence.

Kerry News – Friday 02 January 1903