In a disturbing incident reported by the Free Press Association, a shooting outrage unfolded on Sunday night in Ruan, near Ennis, casting a shadow over the peaceful community. The victim, identified as a farmer named Ryan, fell prey to the violence while returning from a neighbour’s house around ten o’clock. The assailant, in a brazen act, fired upon Ryan, with the charge finding its mark in his legs. Swift medical intervention followed as Ryan was promptly transported to the Clare Infirmary. Medical professionals worked diligently to extract several pellets from his body.
The motives behind this shocking act of violence are believed to stem from an ongoing dispute over a farm. The tense atmosphere in the rural setting had apparently escalated to a point where a firearm became the weapon of choice in settling grievances.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of this incident, law enforcement has taken decisive action. In a significant development, Timothy Flanagan, a farmer implicated in the shooting, has been apprehended. Flanagan, not just an ordinary farmer but also a member of the Corofin District Council, adds a layer of complexity to the case. Notably, he held the position of Chairman of the council at one point.
The legal machinery swiftly swung into action as Flanagan faced formal deposition by constables based on a statement provided by the wounded man, Patrick Ryan. The gravity of the situation prompted authorities to remand Flanagan for eight days, allowing for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
The arrest of a sitting council member underscores the seriousness of the incident, as local authorities grapple with maintaining law and order following the escalating tensions. The rural tranquillity has been shattered, leaving residents concerned and demanding swift justice.
As Timothy Flanagan is escorted to Limerick Jail, the community awaits further developments in this unsettling chapter, hoping for a resolution that restores peace and harmony to their once serene surroundings.
Dublin Daily Express – Tuesday 14 March 1911
