The Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder. — 1884-08-16 (Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales)

STRANGE STORY FROM IRELAND.  The Freeman's Journal publishes an account of an interview which its special correspondent has had with Thomas Casey and his brother-in-law, Anthony Phi:bin, concerning a statement made be Thomas Casey in presence of the Arelibishop of Tuam and Lev. John Corbet, parish priest, and the congiegation in Partry church that he had sworn falsely against Miles Joyce, one of the three men executed for the Maanitrasna murders. Mr. Corbet'accompanied the reporter to tilie houses of each near Lough Mask. Casey said that he first offered to give evidence on the Thursday before the trials commenced. Mr. Bolton sent for him and asked him if he was going to give evidence in theme as his brother-in-law Philbin bed done. Casey said he would tell nothing but the truth. After he had spoken a few words Mr. Bolton said lie would not accept his statement. Casey says he mentioned amongst those who were not concerned in the crime Myles Joyce, Pat Joyce, Martin Joyce, Thomss Joyce, John Casey, and Anthony Philbin. Mr. Bolton then said he would not accept his statement unless it corresponded with what Philbin had stated. Casey says he was then taken back to his cell. On the day of the trial he was placed with the other prisoners in the van, and appealed to them to save the innocent. Be was called out and WM Mr. Bolton, Mr. Brady, and the governor of the gaol. Mr. Bolton again asked him to give evidence, saying that he had a chance of saving his neck. He gave him 20 minutee to make up his mind, and said that if he did not give evidence he would surely be hung. Mr. Bolton afterwards read over to him Philbin's statement, and then Casey says that he gave similar evidence to save himself, as he would not have been accented as a witness if he had not done so. Philbin WAS not at the murder, but he swore that Myles Joyce went into the house. Myles Joyce, however, WAS not there, nor the four men wbo are in penal servitude. Casey continued " They came for me to that house (pointing to his cabin). I was gathering turf, and a man came and said 'Cons. to such a house.' I said I was tired. I did not wish to go. I got word a couple-of times before ea other nights, and did not go this night. I did not go I got a hard threat that without I would do it I would be sorry, and I went with him. On arrival at Joyce's I stood about 30 or 40 yards from the door at the corner of the barn ; it might be less, I don't know the exact distance; I had never been there before; I was in view of the door. Five men went at the door with a rush and broke it in. I saw the man who lit thelamp of paraffin oil, one which he had brought from a house with him. I asked them not to do anything wrong to the innocent children or the wife; that if the man had done anything bad I would not spare him. One of the men said: 'lf he is only the size of a topcoat button let him be killed.' That man is walking on the wean grass; still, he paid money for it and assisted in the act. He set it dime." Casey said that his object in going before the bishop was to ask pardon. He gave himself up to his country.He thought it was necessary to make reparation as far as he could before he died. Philbin was next interviewed at his house. He appeared unwilling to make any statement; but in answer to Casey's questions, teimitted that he was not present at the murders and knew nothing of them excel* what he had heard from others. He did not know whether Myles Joyce was there or net. He was induced to make his statement to Mr. Bolton by a welder in order to save himself, as his name was mixed up in the matter. He first made a statement which was not accepted. He was asked to reverse that statement, and did so, because he was told he wined be hanged if he did not. He first bold Mr, 14,:t0n that lie knew nothing of the affair, but Ma Bolton refused to aceept that statement.