Scathlan 2

The cortege moved from Derrybeg to the chapel. As many as could entered the chapel while those in rear had to remain outside. Requiem mass was celebrated at 12 noon by Revd. Fr. McNelis, C.C. with the crowd still increasing the spacious yard outside filled with the throng. The coffin was carried on shoulders by four men to the graveyard in Magheragallon. A meeting held later was addressed by Mac Sweeney. A collection was taken up-the purpose-the erection of a monument in a suitable place in the neighbourhood. The O'Donnell monument committee was formed consisting of the following:– Chairman: Vice-chairman: Treasurer: Secretary: Mr. Mac Sweeney, Falcarragh . J . Hegarty, Killult. To be appointed . John Conaghan, Derrybeg. Journal 19/10/1887 Father McFadden's contradiction of 'Glasnevin's' letter to the Times. 'I never was engaged by an American committee to erect a monument to Patrick O'Donnell . I never accepted a commission to do so and neither the monument nor "the monstrous inscription in flagrant praise of murder" owe their existence in any way to my 'exertions'." I append the letter to the contr~ctor and builder received by me today. In further explanation I may add that the unfortunate murderer was in his earlier life a native of this parish and that his mother and sister and brother are still living in it. I knew nothing whatever of any undertaking to perpetuate the memory of O'Donnell or of the existence of any committee to carry it forward until I was asked to allow a monument to be erected within the precincts of the church here. This I at once refused to do. As far as I am personally concerned I loathe the very mention of the murder of Carey and it would be my earnest desire that its memory should be forever buried and forgotten. Father McFadden further adds "I had nothing to do with the project, I had nothing to do with the design, I had nothing to do with the drafting of the inscription". 1. n muid an-bhufoch do Mhaire Nie Giolla Easpaig as an eolas seo a chur chugainn. 42