
A shocking tragedy unfolded near the village of Ardfert on Sunday morning. In a house along the road between Ardfert and Tubrid Station, the police made a gruesome discovery. The lifeless body of Elizabeth Riordan, a school-mistress, was found lying on the bed. Dr Crosbie, who lived nearby, was called to examine the body and found evidence of violence, with her neck broken and her face and body discolored.
Mrs. Riordan’s husband and her brother, Thomas O’Driscoll, were nowhere to be found, leading to allegations that the husband had committed the heinous crime. The landlord of the house, Michael Dinneen, and a woman named Mary Gorman became suspicious when they noticed the unusual activity and the absence of the Riordans. They alerted the police, who made the tragic discovery.
The couple had previously been principal teachers at Tubrid National School but were transferred to Ardfert due to issues related to neglect and intemperate habits. Riordan was eventually dismissed from his position, leading to further strain in their domestic relationship.
An extraordinary aspect of the tragedy was the presence of Thomas Driscoll, the brother of Mrs. Riordan, at the scene. After the murder, he and Riordan took a train to Limerick, leaving Mrs. Riordan’s lifeless body behind and the house locked to avoid detection.
An inquest was held, and witnesses gave accounts of the couple’s troubled relationship and Riordan’s history of intemperate behavior. The cause of death was determined to be a broken neck due to violence, ruling out the possibility of self-infliction.
As investigations continue, the community remains shocked and saddened by the horrific incident that has shaken the peaceful village of Ardfert. The authorities are actively searching for Riordan and his brother-in-law, Thomas O’Driscoll, in connection with the tragic death of Elizabeth Riordan.
Late Update:
As the investigation into the tragic incident intensifies, the police are actively searching for Patrick Riordan and Thomas O’Driscoll. Reports suggest that the two men may have planned to travel to Queenstown (now Cobh) from Limerick and potentially left for America aboard the “Lusitania,” which sailed on Sunday morning. Authorities are alerting ports and conducting thorough checks to apprehend the suspects.
According to sources, there were allegations that Riordan had frequently threatened the life of his wife, Elizabeth. The troubled couple, both former schoolteachers, had no children, making the tragedy even more heart-wrenching for those who knew them.
The entire community remains on edge, seeking answers and justice for Elizabeth Riordan’s senseless death. As news of the manhunt spreads, neighbors and friends are coming forward with any information that could assist the police in locating the suspects and bringing them to account for their alleged actions.
Meanwhile, the authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy and to ensure that Riordan and O’Driscoll face the consequences if found guilty of the heinous crime. The search extends beyond the local area, as law enforcement agencies coordinate efforts to track the suspects’ movements and prevent any further attempts to flee the country.
Kerry News – Monday 28 August 1905