Meathman's Diary: Murder, mystery and intrigue in Bohermeen

JIMMY GEOGHEGAN

The discovery of a dead body always sparks plenty of curiosity in an area; not to mention a torrent of rumours and myths. It certainly had that effect around Bohermeen.

The story of the unidentified body is contained in a superbly-produced history of the area compiled by local historian Stephen Ball and his colleagues in the St Ultan's Historical Society.

'Memories and Recollections From the Diaries of St Ultan's Historical Society Vol 2' contains all sorts of intriguing tales - none more so than that story of the unidentified body that was found in Tullaghanstown Bog in 1926.

The story of the mysterious discovery is told in a chapter written by Tom French. In February of that year, the Drogheda Independent recorded how "Civic Guards from Athboy on Wednesday evening and at a late hour discovered the dead body of a man. The remains, which were considerably decomposed, were that of a man of good stature."

To add intrigue to more intrigue a mark of what was "thought to be a bullet wound" was found on his right side and one hand was across the face in the attitude of defence," - although, as later revealed in the coroner's report, there was no bullet found.

"The death resulted from shock and haemorrhage caused by a wound, how received we have not evidence to show," the inquest into the man's death concluded.

The dead man was named as John Farrell, a thatcher, and the date of death recorded was 23th June 1921. The place of death was recorded as the townland of Rathconny the deceased's place of residence and not Tullaghanstown bog.

To add even further intrigued there were rumours as early as the summer of 1922 that there was a body buried in bog with the spot identified but no further action was taken it seems - until four years later.

Another chapter from 'Memories and Recollections' concerns life and times of Thomas Reilly from Durhamstown, Bohermeen. He was one of many people from the Bohermeen area who passed through Ellis Island on his way to making a new life in the new world. He arrived in Ellis Island in February 1915.

The trip alone across the Atlantic on the SS Tuscania brought with it many dangers for Thomas and his fellow passengers. Apart from storms there was the constant danger posed by German U-boats.

Thomas went to the States in seach of work and made it to Ellis Island at least but three of his three children, Julia, Charles and Annie, seemingly remained in Ireland. Sadly Charles died in the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918 at 18 while Julia passed away in 1933. Many years later Annie made what must have been a deeply poignant return to Bohermeen.

Their stories are recorded for posterity in a splendidly-produced book that is a credit to the St Ultan's Historical Society. It is in such publications that the past is brought to light; when those who might otherwise be forgotten are remembered.