Nationalist and Leinster Times. June
1921.
Very Rev, Dean Finlay.
With feelings of regret we record the
death of Rev. Dean Finlay, under circumstances published in the
Dublin Daily Press. The late Dean filled an important position in
the life of County Carlow for nearly forty years and was Rector of
Carlow from 1890 to 1912 and during that period endeared himself to
all creeds and classes by his natural urbanity of manner and even
more so by his sense of real Christian charity. The Catholic
population of Carlow - who had learned in the course of 22 years to
appreciate his great and good qualities - were shocked to learn of
the tragedy, which is somewhat of a mystery.
After graduating from Trinity College, he
ministered as Rector of Lorum, Bagenalstown, where he served till
1890. Five years later he was appointed Dean of Leighlin and retired
in 1912. Deceased had reached the age of 80 years and leaves no
family. Mrs Finlay who is aged 83 years is a daughter of
Dean King,
Carlow. On Sunday morning a number of armed men visited Brackley
House in County Cavan and after ordering all the occupants to a
neighbouring house, set fire to the residence. Subsequently Dean
Finlay was found lying on his back in the lawn, dead. There was a
ghastly wound in the back of the head. The wound was caused by a
narrow blunt instrument.
Constable's Revolver Taken.
About mid-day on Thursday last week an
R.I.C. Constable was held up by three armed men in College Street,
Carlow and his revolver was taken. He was then told to go away.
Internments.
The young men arrested recently in Carlow have been removed to Rath
Internment Camp. Following the burning of a military motor lorry on
16th June, Jack Scully and
Paddy Hogan,
Graiguecullen and Maurice Fitzgerald of Sleaty were
arrested at Knockbeg while bathing.
Martin Haughney
of Leighlin St. and John Kavanagh of Dublin St.
were also interned. As a result of extensive military operations
carried out by a large body of Crown Forces, consisting of cavalry,
infantry and police in the districts comprising Rathvilly,
Williamstown, Hacketstown, Clonmore on Thursday last, 59 young men
were arrested and conveyed to the internment camp at the Curragh.
Restrictions off in Carlow.
A number of restrictions under Curfew in
Carlow have been removed including use of pedal bikes and the
holding of fairs and markets. On Wednesday night a bonfire was lit
in the Haymarket, Carlow, a large Republican flag was displayed. A
large crowd went through a musical repertoire.
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