The Sun. — 1847-02-19 (London, England)

PRICE SD.  IRELAND. THE DISTRESS.  DUBLIN, FEB. 17.—The following melancholy details of the rapid progress of starvation in the west are copied from the Mayo Constitution of yesterday : " In the neighbourhood of Newport, on Sunday morning last, a poor man, named Mulloy, was found on the road side. His emaciated frame betokened that his death was the result of want. He was a native of Burrishoole. On Friday last a poor man died at Deradda, near Newport, of actual hunger, leaving a family to follow in rapid succession. On Saturday a poor man was also found expiring from exhaustion at Rooskeen, and notwithstanding relief being brought, the poor man died, food having come too late! In the neighbourhood of Breaffy, near this town, the following deaths have occurred from starvation and disease—Michael M'Enally, of Roemon, on the 12th ; Peter Swords, of Derrinacrisham, on the 12th; his wife on the 12th; James Gavan, of Ballyshawn, on the Bth; his wife on the 10th. All these cases proceeded from dysentery and exhaustion. On Sunday, the 7th instant, Mr. Atkinson, coroner, held an inquest on the body of Patrick Maughan, at Coonanarrow. The deceased has left a family, who are in the most indigent state. The jury verdict was—' Death by starvation.' In this village there is not a family that do not appear likely to fall victims to famine. On the same day, on the body of James Brislane, at Kilcrimmin. The deceased was put on the public works a few days previous to his death, and was hastening on Saturday evening to the office of the pay-clerk, but being very weak from want of food, he fell on the way, and was found dead next morning. Verdict—' Death by starvation.' On Monday, the Bth, on the body of Pat Howley, at Saltfield. The deceased was employed on the public works, and was found lying on the road, where he had fallen, by a person passing by; when removed to the nearest habi-1 tation he died shortly after. Verdict—' Death by starvation.' On the same day, on the body of William Sheridan, at Cloonta. The deceased had been in a great state of destitution, and going from one village to another he fell into a small rivulet which he attempted to cross, and from his debility was unable to extricate himself! Verdict—' Death by drowning, but attributed to starvation.' This coroner states there were twelve more inquests reported in his district, but which from indisposition he has been unable to attend. During the past week Mr. O'Grady, coroner, held inquests on the following persons :—Anne Philbin, Patt Hannon, Francis Gannon, Jordan Morrisroe, Anne Teatnm, Patrick Carey, Thomas Costello, Constantine Muller, John Mulloy, Bridget Mulloy. In each of these cases the verdict returned wit,— ' Death from starvation.' "  In the same paper there is given an account of a most atrocious murder which was perpetrated on the night of the 11th inst., about foar miles to to the west of Louisburgh : " It appears that two sisters, named Mary and Honor Gibbons, lived near a brother of theirs named Jamed Gibbons; Mary went on that day to Louisburgh to purchase provisions, but did not return ; in her absence the house was burned, as well as the body of her unfortunate sister. Mr. Walshe and the coroner arrived there, and, after two days' inquiry, Mr. Walshe and the police found hid in James Gibbons' house a large quantity of the unfortunate woman's property ; it was also discovered that he sold at daybreak the feather bed on which she lay the night she was murdered. Gibbons was found to be somewhat burned, and there was evidence from two of his relatives against him. The jury unanimously returned a verdict of wilful murder against him. He has been fully committed. It was with difficulty that the police saved him from being struck by the stones which the country people flnng at him. The woman's right leg and arm were burned to a cinder."