The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1878-11-17
THE FUNERAL OF THE DONEGAL PRIS
ONER
A REMARKABLE DEMONSTRATION.

remains of Michael Hersghty, who ha,
| been accueed of the murder of Lord Lei
trim, and whose death took place iu tn,
Lifford jail on the Saturday morning pre-
| vious, were conveyed to Massmouni
graveyard, accompanied by one of the
| largest and moet respectable funeral pro
cessions ever witnessed in this part of the
| country within the memory of the oldest
inhabitant." Sunday being the day pre-.
vious to that on which the funeral process
sion was to be held, ample notice wac
afforded to the Practitioners by the
O'Boyle, and bis highly esteemed carate,
Rev. Father O'Flsgherty, both of whom
addressed their respective congregations
in suitable and appropriate terms, i'm
pressing upon them the advisability of
testifying their undying love aud gratitude
appeal, as might be expected, unsuccessful.
From an early hour in the morning the
most casual observer could not fail to per-
ceive that something unusual was about to
take place-business was wholly neglected
and the eDgrossing topic of conversation
became linked with the intended process
sion, it's probable success and other innu
merabie ct ceteras connected there with.
The morning appeared dark and lowering,
zone of gloomy clouds encircling the
mountain tops, whilst a sontheriy wind
blew in titful gusts, which had despond-
ing influence Oh many Of the intending
processioniste. But their fears were soon
indications of a storm had completely
vanished, and from this time the day
became all that could be desired. The
processionists now began to assemble,
the main body starting from Kindrum, in
marching order, two mcn abreast, accom-
panied by Rev. Father O'Fiagherty. At
TamEey they were Joined by the parish
priest, Father OBoyie, with large con
tingent. They now proceeded to meet the
hearss on its way from Lifford, having
halted for O little while in RosDakll, in
order that those who had not procured the
necessary quantity of green ribbon might
be supplied. The numbers folming the
procession rapidly increased as it moved
along, new groups joining them at inter
walls. AT Kerrykeel, especially, the num-
Der awaiting was very considerable. 1t
was expected that the procession should
have at least proceeded as far as Milford
to meet the hearse but, unfortunately, it
(the hearse) had reached this place half an
hour earlier than was expected, in conse-
quence Of which it was met by the proces
sionists something over mile outeide of
the town. 1t may, too, be mentioned that
a large number of people from the parish
of Rosguill had gone also to meet the
corpse, but that in mistake they went in
the direction of "Moyle Hill," instead OF
Nothing could be moro beautiful or more
imposing than the spectacle presented by
the procession on it's way homewards. The
following is the or6er:-First came the
hearse in solemn sable which contrasted
rather strangely with the remaining part
Of the funeral cortege; next the cars con-
the relations of the deceased, the
parish priest and curate donned with the
ecarfs used on such occasions, and display
ing green ribbons on their hats-Father
O'Flagherty's ribbon being of great beauty
and lastre was admired by all. The
and WELT to do farmers who
had brought their cars on this occasion
followed. Next in order came the young
girls (some four hundred) gaily dressed in
their holiday ATTIRE and exhibiting no
lack of ribbons of the national color. The
young meo came next, two abreast, every
one of whCse hats was encircled by green
ribbon or other national device. Mr..
Coyle, of Lurgaclohan, wore beautiful
sash, which was much admired, embroi
dered in green and gold, on which was a
of ST. Patrick, the round
towers, etc, and bearing the motto, "God
Save Ireland" The men on horseback
brought up the rear. Numerous spectators
were lined along the entire route, all of
whom, to Judge by their demeanor, seemed
to express tacit admiration of the view
presented. In fact, there could be no other
feeling expressed and he must have been
dali indeed who would not feel glow of
pride and enthusiasm in contemplating the
ecene-where youth, strength aud vigor,
patriotiem and friendship were alike dis
played. The procession extended nearly
three quarters of mile; and, judging
by the closeness to each other in
which they moved-sometimes four be-
ing abreast instead of tWo-there must
have been considerable over two thousand
people present. On nearing Rossnakil, a
large green flag was seen to wave from one
of Mr.. Martins buildings; an arrangement
which seems to have given general
satisfaction. The procession at last
reached it's destination, and the fu-
neral obsequies being completed, the
respected parish priest exhorted his
practitioners to conduct themselves in
their homeward course in a manner becom
ing the soemnity of the occasiOn-apd 1
am happy to say that they acted according
ly. hope it will not be considered malG
prOpos to mention, that were the redoubt
able Valentine M'Clutchy-as portrayed
by CaTletOn-in existence, he would have
been delighted to find that his pet scheme,
"the Spy sy ystem," was on this occasion put
into execution. Everyone was surprised-