James Sheedy.
Preface by Jenny Fawcett

In Sept.1838 a James Sheedy who lived somewhere in the Nenagh region of
Country Tipperary was sent to trial for rioting at a local fair.

Tolls (or customs as they were also known) had been imposed upon
farmers taking cattle and produce to local fairs, and the riots were
a common form of protest by locals ( as well as professional agitators).

The Toll gates were commonly set up in a region that the farmers and
residents had to traffic to reach the local fair (such as a road intersection,
river crossing, narrow gap in hills etc). Threats against the life
of the toll gate operators were common, and violence predominated at the 
Fairs as opposing sides used the streets and neighboring fields to settle
disputes. Professional agitators such as White Boys, used the Toll debate
as an excuse to press home their opposition against English rule and ambush
was a common method used to intimidate Toll operators.

James Sheedy appeared foremost before the Nenagh Petty Sessions in Sept.1838
	source:	Nenagh Guardian	 (Ireland) September 12th 1838

	"Nenagh Petit Session  
	
	James Meagher was fined 10 shillings,or a weeks imprisonment,
	for strking a cow a severe blow with the intent of driving her
	through the custom gap.(where tolls were collected).
	
	Pat.McGrath was bound over to stand his trial at the Quarter
	Sessions, for being a principal in the riotous party opposed
	to the collecting of customs. Informations were also granted
	against John Cunneen ,for a similar offence. Also John Carthy,
	of Castlelough, and William Clifford and James Sheedy.	"

At the Nenagh Quarter Sessions held on the 26th January 1839, James Sheedy
and fellow Toll rioters were brought again before the courts:-
	"James KENNEDY, Thomas GRACE, James CARROLL, J.RYAN,
	 Jeremiah GLEESON, Patrick CORMACK, Denis BROPHY,
	 Michael MAGRATH, William CLIFFOR and James SHEEDY
	 were indicted for a riot at Nenagh. All pleaded Guilty
	 and were fined one shilling each, in consequence of the
	 opposition having ceased. The Court then stated, if ever
	 a Breach of the Peace occurred on a similar occasion, he
	 would sentence all those who had been found guilty to
	 heavy punishment."
The papers noted over 98 fines for Assaults, Affrays and Riots at Toll Gaps.
(src: Nenagh Guardian,Wed Jan 30th 1839.*)

There was a James SHEEHY, farmer, who in October 1839 lived at Dangan. James was 
entitled to vote in forthcoming elections as he was a Freeholder and owned a house 
and land in the townland of Dangan (baroney of Iffa and Offa).
Dangan electors were in the Clonmel Division, and registered to vote at Clonmel.
(src: Nenagh Guardian. Friday 11th October 1839.)


A James Sheedy also appeared before the Clonmel courts in 1848 for his involvement
in the 1848 rebellion.(William Smith O'Brien and John Mahoney were enabled their
escape during this particular time.O'Brien, Mahoney,John Mitchell and others were 
eventually transported to Tasmanian and it is worth noting that when John Mitchell
escaped from Tasmania he was assisted by the McNamara family of Sydney (who sent 
down ships to assist in his escape). Also, the last person Mitchell visited in Tasmania 
was the same publican that Patrick Sheedy (whiteboy) visited before his escape 
from Tasmania in 1850.Patrick Sheedy had been arrested in 1845 for armed rebellion and
transported to Tasmania aboard the Ratcliffe.)

	"Oct. 6 1848 The Late Rebellion Clonmel - Tuesday. (newspaper report)

	Since the commencement of the commission, the number of prisoners committed 
	to gaol for trial has considerably increased by the capture of several of 
	the fellows connected with the recent outbreak and the attack on the police 
	barrack of Glen Bower, the Slate Quarries and Portlaw. Committed by the 
	magistrates, H. W. Briscoe, and R. D. Coulson R. M. of Carrick-on-Suir. 
	The following is a correct list of the committals since the 20th of September; 
	among them is the editor of the Waterford Chronicle, and two ladies charged 
	with having arms, powder, shot, and a quantity of bullets in their possession 
	in a proclaimed district, and with aiding John O'Mahony the rebel leader, 
	to effect his escape. One of the ladies had a quantity of shot and bullets 
	in her bonnet when arrested. It is likely that some of these cases will be 
	disposed of at the present commission: - James Neill, Patrick Walsh, 
	John Moore, Edmond Landergan, John Hayes, William Rochford, James Landergan, 
	Richard Daniel, Timothy Connell, William Crotty, Michael Comerford, 
	James Sheedy, charged with burning the police barracks at the Slate Quarries 
	and being in arms against the Queen's authority. Thomas Bourke and John Shea 
	attacking the police barracks at Glen Bower, and shooting at the police. 
	Edmond Egan and Patrick Cunningham, high treason. John Killilea, concerned in 
	treasonable practices. Ellen Mary Power, having gunpowder & ., in a proclaimed 
	district; and also for harboring John O'Mahony, charged with treason. 
	Eugene M'Carthy, aiding Smith O'Brien in an insurrectionary movement. 
	Thomas Hennessy, Pierce Power, and Denis M'Carthy, concerned in treasonable 
	practices. Jane O'Ryan, bailed to appear at the Special Commission, ammunition & ., 
	found in her house. "
	(src: Tipperary Mailing List. Information supplied by Sheryl Zenzerovich)

		


Family Researchers:


Notes
* = sighted original record.