Limerick- In a solemn gathering at Barrington’s this evening, an inquest unfolded, shrouded in grief and bewilderment, probing into the tragic demise of J. M. Tracey. The City Coroner, Mr J. F. Barry, J.P., presided over the proceedings as a sombre jury sought answers surrounding the untimely passing of a Limerick resident.
The husband of the deceased, Thomas Tracey, bravely took the stand, his testimony marked by a poignant identification of his life partner. He recounted the harrowing discovery, finding his wife lying unconscious just beyond the threshold of their home at approximately half-past nine the previous night.
Constable Steward, a key witness, relayed the chilling details that unfolded during his patrol. In the company of Constable Quin, he had passed by the residence around nine o’clock, oblivious to the impending tragedy. However, upon his return, the scene had transformed into a nightmare. Mrs. Treaty lay wounded, surrounded by a pool of blood, her life hanging in the balance. Steward, quick on his feet, promptly summoned a priest and an ambulance, orchestrating a swift response to the unfolding crisis.
The constable, in his testimony, described the shocking wounds he encountered upon reaching the scene. The immediate vicinity was teeming with onlookers, predominantly women and children, yet the witnesses noted a chilling absence of any concerted efforts to render aid. The haunting echoes of the night’s events lingered in the air as the community grappled with the sudden tragedy that had befallen one of their own.
Head Constable Healy intervened, urging a post-mortem examination to cast light on the enigma shrouding the cause of Mrs. Tracey’s demise. The Coroner and the jury concurred, unanimously embracing the necessity of a more profound investigation. Consequently, the inquiry was adjourned until four o’clock the following day, leaving the community anxiously awaiting the revelations that awaited.
Tonight, magistrates convened at John Street Barracks, their deliberations resulting in the remand of the yet-unidentified individuals connected to this sombre episode. The legal process, with its measured steps, is now set in motion, promising a thorough examination into the circumstances leading to the untimely death of J. M. Tracey.
As Limerick grapples with this unforeseen tragedy, the community remains on edge, searching for solace and answers in equal measure. The haunting silence that gripped the witnesses on that fateful night lingers, leaving a profound sense of sorrow and collective mourning in its wake. The road ahead for this tight-knit community is fraught with uncertainty, as they await the revelations that will bring closure to the mystery surrounding the death of one of their own.
Dublin Daily Express – Friday 18 August 1911
