Butler executed; M'Guire saved by mob (Ennis, 1766)

[Paddy Casey]

Two men, James Butler and John M'Guire, condemned to death for robbing the house of George Peacock of Barntick were taken to the gallows near Ennis. Butler ("....who was a Protestant....") was first executed without opposition. M'Guire ("...who professed to being a Papist....") had been hanging for a few minutes when he was cut down by an enraged mob and carried off alive. Two of the mob were killed and several were injured (from the London Evening Post (London, England), Thursday, May 1, 1766).

Seems that it was worthwhile to have plenty of friends in those days. In time of need they could come in handy.