BALLINA CHRONICLE
Wednesday, November 7, 1849

REMOVAL OF THE BARRICADES BY TWO PRIESTS!- OPENING OF THE CHAPEL DOORS!!- THE MILITARY AND THE POLICE CALLED OUT!!!

     The 31st of October, 1849, will henceforward be a memorable day in Nenagh, for no doubt one of the most singular circumstances that ever took place in this town, or perhaps in any other civilized country, occurred on Wednesday morning. So cautiously was everything done by the authorities, that all parties were completely taken by surprise. Soon after five o'clock this morning one hundred of the constabulary commanded by Charles G. O'Dell, Esq., S.L. and Head Constable Hayes, took up their positions in the lane leading to the chapel and at the Barrack street entrance, a strong body of police was stationed. At six o'clock the marching down Summer-hill of a large body of the 79th Highlanders, consisting of over 100 men, commanded by Major Ferguson, together with Capt. M'Call and Lieut. Harrison, showed that something decided was contemplated. They were accompanied by M.B. Plunkett, Esq., R.M., and the Rev. Messrs. Kenny and Bowles. On arriving opposite Chapel-lane, the military were extended in open column at either side along Castle-street. Sentries were also judiciously posted, in fact, every caution and all military skill were observed, as if the town were about being besieged. The morning was fine, but there was that chilliness in the air generally felt at this season of the year-but the hardy Highlander, with kilt and philabeg, seemed as indifferent to the cold as a Laplander. Everything being secured, the Rev. Thomas Kenny, P.P. at Nenagh, and the Rev. Mr. Bowles, C.C. of Nenagh, each rev. gentleman armed with a formidable crow bar in one hand, and a stone hammer in the other, proceeded toward the doors, and commenced demolishing the barricades; and after some time the stone and mortar of the Nenagh beligerents gave way before the reverend labourers! but the doors being so firmly nailed, they could not force them open. They pulled out the window of the sacristy, in through which they went, and took possession of the interior of the chapel. They quickly commenced to make the onslaught on the principal door, which, after some laborious exertion, they opened drawing out the immense nails by which it was held fast, and Mr. Kenny took possession of the chapel. At nine o'clock the military were withdrawn but a large body of police remained in and about the chapel during the day. An apprentice boy belonging to the Vindicator office, was sent out to give the alarm but was arrested by the police, and taken into custody.- After a short time, however, he was liberated, and so the matter ends for the present.
     A body of constabulary was placed around the chapel bell for the purpose of preventing any person from ringing it, and cause the alarm to be given; but in a short time it was made known that the chapel was about being forced open, and some of the inhabitants went about shouting out:-"Fire, fire! The chapel is on fire!" This had the desired effect; for a large number of persons immediately assembled at the approaches to the chapel, further than which they would not be permitted to go. They endeavoured to force their way; but the police prevented them doing so, whereupon they armed themselves with stones, and said they would face the constabulary with pike and pitchfork, &c. hand to hand. Mr. O'Dell and Head Constable Hayes peaceably remonstrated with them, pointing out to them the dangerous consequence of such an illegal proceeding, and telling them that they were to perform their duty, from which they would not flinch. The mob then desisted.
     Fathers Kenny and Bowles were vociferously yelled, groaned and hooted. Angry expressions were uttered against them; startling menaces were held forth; they were loudly denounced and bitter invectives were hurled at them as they coolly and calmly held prostate the barriers to the doorways. They were designated "cutthroat priests", "Judases," "government men," who tried to pawn themselves on the people at the point of the bayonet." Were it not for the presence of the police, and the protection which they afforded to the reverend gentlemen, it is probable that the mob who were awfully excited, would have assaulted them. Some persons who were drunk and disorderly were arrested and confined for a few hours. One of the party had a leaded pistol in his possession.
     It may not be amiss here to state that there is an act of parliament on the reign of James still unrepealed which constitutes a felony of the highest class the closing up of any place of public worship to prevent religious ceremonies being celebrated therein, and the offence is punishable with death!--Nenagh Guardian.