A disturbing incident occurred in Cromer Bridge, situated about eight miles west of Ennis, resulting in the tragic death of a farmer named Michael M‘Guane from severe injuries. The unfortunate event occurred on Friday. It appears that M‘Guane possessed a turf bank in the area, and adjacent to his bank was another owned by a small farmer and shoemaker named Connor Corry.

On that fateful day, Corry went to cut turf at his bank, and a dispute arose when M‘Guane accused him of encroaching on his plot. Corry denied the accusation, and a heated argument ensued. The situation escalated, and M‘Guane allegedly assaulted Corry, grabbing him by the throat. In response, Corry managed to break free and, in a fit of rage, picked up a large two-pronged fork and struck M‘Guane with a devastating blow to the side of the head. As M‘Guane lay on the ground, Corry, still enraged, used a lighter two-pronged fork that he had with him, repeatedly hitting and allegedly stabbing M‘Guane about the head. Tragically, M‘Guane seemed to have died almost instantly.

Corry then went to the residence of a local magistrate and surrendered himself, confessing to what had occurred. The authorities were alerted, and County Inspector Flower arrived at the scene. Corry was taken into custody and remanded to Limerick prison.

This shocking incident has deeply affected the district, as both men were well-known members of the community. Corry was known as a hardworking man, and both he and M‘Guane were married with families. M‘Guane leaves behind seven children, while Corry has four or five young children.

A special court in Miltown-Malbay decided to send Connor Corry for trial on the charge of murder at the Clare Assizes. During the proceedings, a young boy named Crowe testified, describing the brutal attack that led to M‘Guane’s death. The boy witnessed M‘Guane striking Corry with a fork, after which Corry defended himself with a similar implement. When M‘Guane turned his back, Corry picked up his fork and delivered a massive blow from behind, leading to the tragic outcome.

Enniscorthy Echo and South Leinster Advertiser – Friday 26 May 1905