HC Deb 12 September 1887 vol 321 cc286-7
MR. KELLY (Camberwell, N.)

I beg to ask my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland the following Question, of which I have given private Notice:—If the report is correct that Head Con- stable Whelehan, of Ennis, was brutally murdered yesterday by Moonlighters near Lisdoonvarna, and that another member of the Royal Irish Constabulary was mortally wounded on the same occasion; and, further, whether it be correct, as reported in The Globe newspaper, that amongst eight persons arrested in connection with the assassination of Whelehan, one is from County Tipperary, and another from County Kerry.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

In answer to my hon. Friend, I think I had better read the information I have received from the District Inspector:— Copy of telegram, 12th September, 1887. District of Ballyvaughan: Sub-district, Lisdoonvarna: Townland, Ballygastel; House, Thomas Sexton, Police captured five Moonlighters last night. Head Constable Whelehan from Ennis killed. Constable John Connel, Andrew Donohoe, Patrick M'Dermot, seriously hurt. Two revolvers and ammunition captured. Five arrests. Further telegrams from the Constabulary show that Sexton was occupying an evicted farm; that the Moonlighters were in his house and about to murder him when the police, who were in ambush, rushed in with the above result. The District Inspector adds— Police behaved splendidly; five men arrested inside house, and two more this morning, who were identified. Sexton had been summoned by League and censured; he promised to give up evicted farm, but did not do so, therefore the gang went to shoot him. They entered the house and were about to shoot him, when the police, "who were in ambush, were on them.

DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid.)

May I ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant how it is that when Questions are addressed to him on matters of burning and Imperial consequence at the present time he always finds it necessary to ask for Notice; whereas—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Gentleman is not respectful to the House.

Dr. TANNER

again rose—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!