Liam Deois facts for kids
Liam Deois (also known as Liam Joyce) was a famous highwayman from the early 1800s in Ireland. He lived in a place called Gleann 'a Ghadaí, which means "valley of the robbers," near Athenry in County Galway. Liam Deois was known as a big, strong man. He was feared by many people in his local area.
Liam Deois would often rob people who were traveling to and from the market in Galway. His main hunting ground was between Cúinne Geal, which is now close to Carnmore Airport, and Cussaun Cross on the road from Galway to Monivea. When he was being chased, he would hide in a secret spot known as Poll Liam Deois. During the summer, he also targeted travelers on the road from Merlin Park to Renmore, just outside Galway city.
Who Was a Highwayman?
A highwayman was a type of robber who operated on public roads. These people would stop travelers, often on horseback, and demand their money or valuables. Highwaymen were common in many parts of the world, especially during the 17th to 19th centuries, before modern police forces existed. They often targeted coaches or people carrying goods to market.
The Capture of Liam Deois
Liam Deois was eventually caught at Cúinne Geal. A man and his son were returning from Galway after selling a cart of hay. Liam Deois knew they had money from the sale. He tried to take their earnings, but the father and son fought back bravely.
The father struggled with Liam Deois and managed to get him behind their horse cart. The son then used a "loaded butt" to hit Deois on the head. A loaded butt was a stick filled with lead, used in those days for fighting. While Liam Deois was stunned, the father and son quickly tied him up. They used the strong hay ropes (called Súgán) that were usually tied to the cart. They then dragged him behind the cart all the way to the police station in Oranmore.
What Happened Next?
After his capture, what happened to Liam Deois is not known for sure. His story became part of local legends. A famous Irish poet named Antoine Ó Raifteiri even mentioned a place called Casán Liam Deois (Liam Deois's Path) in one of his poems. This poem was about a musician named Tomás Daly, who lived nearby in Coshla.
