"[225]
One of the priests of whom W.G. asked information told him his whole
time, and that of his assistant, was unceasingly occupied in
administering the last comforts of religion to the victims of
starvation. It would, he said, be an endless task, and he feared a
useless one, to record his sad experiences.
People died in Connaught whilst in full employment on the public works,
just as they did in Munster. Of such cases, the following is one of
which W.G. collected some particulars:--James Byrne, of Barnabriggan,
Brize, parish of Balla, was employed up to his death on the public
works. The last food of which he had partaken was obtained by his wife
pledging her cloak. There was an inquest upon this poor man's remains,
at which his wife deposed that up to the time of his death he was
employed on the public works, and as they had no food she was obliged to
pledge her cloak for one stone of meal. Deceased often said he would do
well if he had food or nourishment. Deponent states to the best of her
belief that her husband died for the want of food. She and her four
children are now living on rape, which she is allowed to gather in a
farmer's field. James Browne, Esq.
Pages:
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636