In a solemn session at the Clare Assizes on Saturday, Justice Gibson presided over the high-profile Miltown Malbay Murder case. The accused, Francis W. Moroney, faced charges of wilful murder in the unfortunate death of James Colling at Spanish Point on May 13. Prosecutors, Mr Redmond Barry, KC, and Mr M. C. Cullinan, guided by Mr John Cullinan, Crown Solicitor of Ennis, presented a compelling case against Moroney.
During the trial, the courtroom was gripped by the poignant depositions of the deceased, revealing an intense altercation between Colling and Moroney. The genesis of the conflict stemmed from a summons issued against Moroney for assaulting Colling. Tragically, as Colling recounted in his statement, he felt a sudden blow to his back, prompting him to turn around and come face to face with Moroney, wielding a revolver.
Michael C. Kenny, a witness summoned to the stand, disclosed that Colling had been assisting him with plastering operations at the Atlantic Hotel on that fateful day. Kenny testified to Moroney’s persistent requests for Colling to withdraw the summons, accompanied by unsuccessful attempts to coerce him into joining for a drink. Eventually, a gunshot shattered the air, echoing Moroney’s chilling words, “Take that.”
In a bid to present a robust defence, Mr P. Lynch, acting on instructions from Mr Michael Killeen, solicitor of Kilrush, called upon Dr M. O’Brien. The defence sought to establish Moroney’s condition at the time of the incident, asserting that he suffered from alcoholism. Dr McGrath, the Visiting Medical Officer of Limerick Prison, attested to Moroney’s state upon his arrival, noting indications of heavy drinking.
Following careful consideration of the evidence, the jury rendered a verdict of manslaughter, accompanied by a heartfelt recommendation for mercy. Consequently, Moroney was sentenced to five years of penal servitude, marking the conclusion of a tragic chapter in the Miltown Malbay Tragedy. The courtroom’s sombre atmosphere served as a poignant reminder of the irrevocable loss and the lasting impact on all those involved.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 05 July 1904
