2016 marks the 250th anniversary of the execution of Fr Nicholas Sheehy. Educated and trained on the continent, he was appointed curate in Newcastle, Co. Tipperary before becoming parish priest of Shanrahan (Clogheen).
Outspoken in defence of his religion and the impoverished parishioners he ministered to, Fr. Sheehy fell foul of the authorities who tried on several occasions to convict him on trumped up charges.
Eventually tried for murder, a sham trial saw him convicted. Undoubtedly innocent, Fr. Sheedy was hanged, drawn and quartered in Clonmel on 15th March 1766 – his severed head remained on public display for 10 years before being reclaimed by his sister and buried with his remains in Shanrahan cemetery.
What isn’t widely known is that Fr. Sheehy’s cousin, Edmond Sheehy, was also executed for his supposed role in the ‘murder’.
Full coverage in this week’s Print & Digital Edition
