A tragic incident occurred in the Rockchapel district of Abbeyfeale when a young man named John Leahy was found dead on Winter’s Mountain. Leahy, son of a farmer from Ahane, Brosna, County Kerry, was discovered after he and a companion, McCormack, lost their way while traversing Milleen Mountain during a return visit from County Limerick.

The two young men took a shortcut over an extensive bog tract and soon found themselves disoriented. As a result, Leahy became exhausted due to the harsh weather conditions and ultimately perished from exposure. His friend McCormack reached a house a quarter-mile farther away but was in a precarious condition.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with attempting shortcuts through unfamiliar and challenging terrains, particularly during inclement weather.

Kerry News – Wednesday 18 March 1903