HC Deb 23 June 1921 vol 143 c1566W
Mr. WINTRINGHAM

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that two men named Patrick and James Ryan were taken from their beds in their house at Knockfune, County Tipperary, on the 7th June, and shot, Patrick being killed and James wounded, and that their house was then set on fire and destroyed; and whether the perpetrators of this outrage have yet been traced?

Mr. HENRY

The Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest in the case of Patrick Ryan found that he was murdered by some person or persons unknown. James Ryan was severely wounded at the same time. The Ryans house was then set of fire, presumably by the raiders, who were masked and could not be identified. The perpetrators of this outrage have not yet been traced, but inquiries are proceeding.

Mr. GALBRAITH

asked the Chief Secretary whether an inquiry has yet been held into the death of Thomas McEver at Coolin Bridge on the 19th May; and with what result?

Mr. HENRY

According to the evidence at the Court of Inquiry McEver was taken from his bed about 2 a.m. on 20th May and his dead body was subsequently found by the roadside bearing a label "Convicted Spy. Traitors Beware. Executed by order of I.R.A." The finding of the Court was wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.