In a sombre turn of events near Limerick, a coroner’s jury at O’Brien’s Bridge has returned an indictment surrounding the peculiar demise of Mrs. Ryan. The unfortunate incident has led to the arrest of her husband, Mr John Ryan, the proprietor of a local inn. The jury declared that Mrs. Ryan succumbed to injuries on her head and body, though the circumstances surrounding these injuries remain shrouded in mystery.

During the inquest, the jury disclosed that they lacked concrete evidence regarding how the injuries were inflicted. Mr John Ryan, offering his testimony, mentioned observing signs of intoxication in his wife at the bar of his hotel around 8 p.m. He directed her to retire to their rooms, and later, he followed her upstairs and heard what sounded like the shattering of glass. Mrs. Ryan purportedly claimed she was attempting to pass through the windows, prompting Mr Ryan to take precautions by installing laths.

Around 3 a.m., Mr Ryan instructed his son, Joe, to check on his mother, but the boy failed to comply. It wasn’t until later that a key was procured to access the locked room. Upon entering, they discovered Mrs. Ryan lying on the floor, fully dressed, with her boots off. Despite efforts to revive her, the unfortunate incident had already transpired.

The testimonies were further corroborated by witnesses, including Dr J. Humphreys of Limerick, who attested to the attempts made to restore Mrs. Ryan’s breathing. A subsequent post-mortem examination conducted by Dr J. Humphreys shed light on the nature of the injuries, suggesting they could have resulted from falls or blows.

The community surrounding O’Brien’s Bridge is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, with authorities striving to piece together the details of Mrs. Ryan’s untimely demise. As the investigation unfolds, the circumstances leading to her injuries and the events that transpired within the Ryan residence are under heightened scrutiny.

Local law enforcement has not provided details regarding any potential charges against Mr John Ryan, as the investigation is still in its early stages. The tight-knit community, typically characterized by its serene atmosphere, is now left grappling with the shock of such an unexpected tragedy.

Limerick, known for its rich history and cultural significance, now finds itself in the spotlight for a different reason. The local residents, often united by their close-knit community spirit, are grappling with the ripple effects of a mystery that has left them searching for answers. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, prompting introspection within the community.

As investigators continue their work to unravel the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Ryan’s death, the people of Limerick await further developments, hoping for clarity in a situation that has cast a shadow over their tranquil corner of the world.

Irish Independent – Saturday 13 December 1913