In 1870 the following incidents happened in Churchtown,Dunderry.It happened in the house that preceeded the house of Colin Boles in Churchtown ,as you pass Churchtown going for Retaine graveyard.A man called FAGAN lived there then.
"Five or six men ,armed with pistols and having their faces covered with hankerchiefs with holes cut for their eyes,visited the house of a farmer named Thomas Fagan residing at Churchtown,put him on his knees and swore him on a book which they produced ,to give up possession of grazing he took some time ago adjoining his own land ,after which they demanded money ,and received 1 shilling after which they decamped.
The polis on hearing of the occurrence,at once proceeded to the place,under the command of Thomas RossEsq.S.I. and the Headconstable Bourke and have been most indefatigable in their exertions.They brought in several prisoners ,who were examined before George Mc Carthy,esq.,R.M.It is alleged that one of the party fired a shot in Fagin's house and another carried a brass blunderbuss."
This was brought to my attention by a direct desendant of the Fagins trying to trace his ancestors.The Fagins he comes from are not necessarily this branch but definitely came from either Retaine or Robinstown
Anyone who may be of assistance might contact me.
Seemingle letting land in Churchyown was a hazardous pastime in those times.More than likely the descendants of those involved with the hold up are still living locally.Any further information may be sent to me in confidence.The Statute of Limitations has well run out.
Today someone mentioned the vendetta that some Gardai had against Dunderry people about twenty years ago and more.What appears to have been a crime free zone was apparently under siege at times,a scene I witnessed myself.
Maybe its true that the Police have a long memory but stretching it as far back as 1870 may be pushing it.
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