The Sun. — 1848-01-14 (London, England)

IRELAND.  DENUNCIATION FROM THE ALTAR.  DUBLIN, JAN. 12.—The Evening Mail prefaces the following extraordinary narrative by a statement to the effect that the particulars have been communicated to that journal by one whose opportunity of information cannot be questioned : " Mr. J. Holmes is a resident proprietor, in the county of Sligo, within a short distance of Ballaghaderreen, ccunty Mayo. He is a magistrate for both counties, and was made a deputy-lieutenant of the former last summer, as a mark of the sense entertained by the authorities of his exertions in behalf of the poor during the late crisis, and 0, his unceasing and successful labours in preserving the peace of his district at a most trying period, and the admirable manner in which the fiscal arrangements of the barony were carried on under his superintendence. Having received many friendly intimations, a short time since, that the parish priest (Mr. Tighe) had made repeated attacks on him at the chapel, and that his life would be attempted by assassins, who had arrived in the neighbourhood, he was prevailed on, by the entreaties of his friends, to leave the country for a short period, till the passing of the late Government measure, when he returned. These facts coming to the knowledge of his brother, Mr. A. Holmes, who resides in England, the fatter paid a hurried visit to this country, and on Thursday last (old Christmas-day) presented himself at the chapel at Ballaghaderreen, and having asked and obtained permission from the Rev. Mr. Tighe to address the congregation, a very numerous one, was accommodated with a place at the altar. He declined to address the people till Mr. Tighe stood at his side ; a second priest stood at his left. Ballaghaderreen is , within a few miles of Strokestown and Elphin, the scenes of the murders of Major Mahon and the Rev. Mr. Lloyd. " The following scene then took place : " Mr. Ticuz—Mr. Holmes has expressed a desire to address you, and I have given him permission to do so.  " Mr. HOLMES (advancing to the front of the altar) - -My friends, Mr. Tighe, your priest, has given me permission to address you from this altar, and I avail myself of it. I have travelled 500 miles to say five words to you, pray, therefore, attend to me. You do not all know me, but you know my brother, Mr. Joseph Holmes .—(' We do.') Is there amongst you a man who can say that my brother as ever done an unkind or unjust act by him ? Is there, I say ? If there is let him hold up his hand. Is there amongst you a man who can deny that, for the last two years, my brother has been your slave ? If there is, let him speak.—(A pause.) During the last two years my brother has expended 20,0001. in provisions, to keep down the markets here, that you and your children might not starve! He has, daily, for the last 16 months, fed 150 of your children at his schoolhouse. He has turned his house and offices into a provision store for your accommodation. Is there a man amongst you that can deny this ? If there is, let him speak. And what is the return he has met with ? Do you require to be told ? Why, when he left home a month ago, it is notorious that the assassins who were to murder him had arrived in the parish, and were harboured amongst you There are those amongst you that know it. I can account for the presence of those miscreants. They were attracted hither by the inflammatory harangues of your priest here (pointing to Mr. Tighe). I tell him so to his face.—(Tremendous uproar in the chapel. Cries of ` Turn him out,' He is a liar ;' and a scene of great confusion, during which the curate in vain attempted to addreF s and appease the people, followed. At length Mr. Tighe succeeded, after many ineffectual efforts, in obtaining a hearing.) " Mr.