Bridget Barrett facts for kids
Bridget Barrett (died 10 September 1845) was an Irish woman who was sadly murdered in County Galway. Her death became a very famous and important case at the time. It led to the first official investigation by a Coroner (a public official who investigates deaths) in the area of Connemara. Two men were later accused of her murder, which happened at sea.
The Story of Bridget Barrett
Bridget Barrett's story began with a promise of marriage. A young man named James Mannion had promised to marry her. His aunt really wanted him to keep his word and marry Bridget.
A Secret Plan Goes Wrong
James Mannion reportedly planned to meet Bridget on the evening of 10 September 1845. They were supposed to go to Roundstone together to get married. James asked Bridget to keep their plan a secret. However, Bridget told her sister about it.
On that same day, 10 September, a witness saw Bridget and James. They were with another man named Thomas Cosgriff. The three of them took a boat from a place called Ruananule. This was the last time anyone saw Bridget Barrett alive, apart from James Mannion and Thomas Cosgriff. Other people in the area later said they heard a woman crying out during the night.
A few days later, James Mannion was seen in Galway buying clothes. Bridget's sister spoke to him, but he did not give her a clear answer about where Bridget was.
The Discovery and Aftermath
Bridget Barrett's body was found washed up on the shore at Roundstone on 16 November 1845. It was discovered that her body had been weighed down with an anchor.
James Mannion was found responsible for the murder on 5 August 1846. He was 22 years old at the time. His punishment was changed from a death sentence to being sent away for life to a far-off place, a punishment known as transportation. However, he died in prison on 30 September 1847, while waiting to be transported.
Thomas Cosgriff was also found responsible for the murder later on. He was sent to Australia on a ship called the Bangalore. Records show that he was allowed to be released on 4 June 1854.
See also
- Ciáran Bairéad
- Thomás Bairéad
- Tomás Bairéad
- Coleman Barrett
- Francie Barrett
- Slim Barrett
