The district of Cromer Bridge, situated about eight miles west of Ennis, was shaken by a horrific incident on Friday, resulting in the tragic death of a farmer named Michael McGuane. The incident unfolded over a dispute regarding turf banks between McGuane and a small farmer named Connor Corry, who also worked as a shoemaker.

According to reports, Corry was cutting turf at his bank when McGuane confronted him, accusing him of encroaching on his plot. Corry denied the accusation, leading to a heated exchange of words. The altercation escalated, and McGuane allegedly grabbed Corry by the throat, instigating a physical confrontation. In an apparent act of self-defence, Corry managed to break free from McGuane’s grip and, in the heat of the moment, grabbed a large four-pronged fork and struck McGuane with a devastating blow to the head.

With McGuane lying unconscious on the ground, Corry seized a lighter two-pronged fork that he had with him and delivered several blows to McGuane’s head, reportedly stabbing him as well. The injuries proved to be fatal, and McGuane succumbed almost instantly.

Corry, in a state of shock, sought refuge at the home of a local magistrate, where he made a statement about the incident and surrendered himself to the authorities. News of the tragic occurrence reached the police headquarters in Corofin and Ennis, prompting County Inspector Flower to visit the scene.

Both men involved in the unfortunate incident were well-known in the district. Corry was regarded as a hardworking individual, and both he and McGuane were around the same age, approximately 45 to 50 years old. Each man was married, and the tragedy left behind several grieving family members.

Following the incident, a special court held at Miltown-Malbay decided to charge Connor Corry with murder, and he was remanded for trial to the Clare Assizes. The court heard the account of a young witness named Crowe, who described the fatal encounter between McGuane and Corry. According to Crowe, McGuane initially struck Corry with a fork, and Corry retaliated with a similar implement. After McGuane turned his back, Corry allegedly dealt him a tremendous blow to the head from behind, resulting in the fatal outcome.

The shocking and violent nature of the incident has deeply affected the local community, leaving them in mourning and disbelief over the tragic loss of life.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 23 May 1905