Stagecoach Robbery

In May 1798 a rebel attack on the town of Carlow resulted in defeat and the death of over 600 men and widespread destruction of property. However unrest continued for some time in the countryside.

Three farmers were killed by rebels in August in the neighbourhood of Carlow town. It was reported in October that the counties of Carlow and Wexford were again in arms. The land between the Barrow and the Slaney was "infested with rebels" according to one report. Fugitives had taken refuge in the woods of Killoughran. By November only the neighbourhood of Rathvilly was "infested with rebel banditti" according to the authorities.

Even in March 1800, almost two years after the rebellion, one or two house burnings and murders were taking place, particularly in Co. Kildare, bordering on Carlow. According to the report "The spirit of rebellion is as relentless as ever, it is only restrained by fear".

Day Coach

Illustration of a Day Coach taken from Carlow Morning Post 1818.

Carlow County Library

Day Coach
Carlow County Library

Day Coach

Illustration of a Day Coach taken from Carlow Morning Post 1818.

Carlow County Library

Enlarge image

A year later a spectacular robbery took place near Carlow. The Cork-Dublin mail coach was attacked and robbed on the night of Thursday, March 4th, 1801. The incident happened at Knocknagee two miles on the Dublin side of Carlow. The robbers, almost forty in number opened fire on the dragoons and guard attending the coach. The attackers positioned themselves behind the walls of the Bruen estate. The guards returned fire but they were eventually overcome by the robbers, who were greater in number. The escorts retreated to Carlow and left the passengers to the mercy of the robbers, who plundered the coach and then made their escape.

A £500 reward was offered in respect of the robbery. Two Magrath brothers were sentenced to death for the robbery at the Athy assizes in August, 1801. Later, in January 1802, Patrick and John Mooney were executed on the site of the robbery, near Colonel Bruen's demesne wall at Knocknagee, near Carlow town.