The Munster Winter Assizes resumed with the trial of Patrick O’Riordan and Thomas Driscoll for the murder of Elizabeth O’Riordan, the wife of Patrick O’Riordan. The trial was presided over by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord O’Brien of Kilfenora. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of wilfully and maliciously killing and murdering Elizabeth O’Riordan.

The prosecution was led by Mr J. H. Campbell, K.C., the Attorney-General, along with Mr R. M. Hennessy, K.C., and Mr Cullinane, B.L. The defendants were represented by Mr P. Lynch, B.L., and Mr McElligott, B.L.

Mr Campbell began by stating that on August 25th or 26th of the current year, a tragic event took place in Ardfert, where Elizabeth O’Riordan was killed by the hands of the accused, Patrick O’Riordan (her husband), and Thomas Driscoll (her brother). He described the crime as almost without parallel in the criminal history of the country.

Elizabeth O’Riordan had been married to Patrick O’Riordan for about five years. She was a teacher and worked alongside her husband in a school in Tubrid, County Kerry. However, they were later transferred to Ardfert, which had a negative impact on their positions. Witnesses testified that she suffered physical abuse and cruelty at the hands of her husband, who would assault, beat, and drag her by her hair.

Incidents were detailed, such as Elizabeth being dragged by her husband in public, and her hiding from him in the house of a neighbor to escape his brutality. Witnesses also testified that on August 24th, she was pulled into her house by Thomas Driscoll, her brother.

On August 25th, Elizabeth was seen well in the morning, but by nightfall, she was struggling and forcibly taken back to her house by her husband. This was the last time anyone other than the prisoners saw her alive.

The prosecution revealed that the accused fled to various places after the incident. They were eventually arrested at Queenstown railway station. Patrick O’Riordan was found with blood traces on his clothes, and an earring was discovered in his pocket that matched one found in Elizabeth’s ear.

The Attorney-General emphasized the brutality of the crime and the suffering Elizabeth had endured. The trial continued with witness testimonies and evidence presentation to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Kerry Evening Star – Thursday 14 December 1905