Inquiry on the Late Fr. Griffin

Paper not indicated

Interesting Evidence

The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of the late Rev MI Griffin, C.C., was resumed on Monday afternoon at Eglinton—st. police station.

A gentleman having been duly sworn stated on the night of November 14, he left his hotel that evening about ten o'clock, and then went for a walk.

At the blind archway I turned back and returned by way of Dominick—st. and on to Nile Lodge, passing the Rev Fr Griffin's house. I saw no one about. Going past Salthill industrial school I came to the left hand side of the road, some little way past the school buildings, about two yards. I crossed the road, and continued walking close by the wall on the opposite side, moving towards Salthill. It was getting up to midnight at this time. When at Mr Binn's house I was held up by three men wearing what are commonly called trench coats, and brown—coloured old caps. A flash lamp was turned on me when I was two or three paces from them, and the whole three started asking me questions. Amongst other remarks, one was. We know this gentleman. I was twice asked, "Where did you come from?" I replied, "I have been for a walk." I was searched by this party, who were armed, one of whom had his revolver ready for use. I do not think these were local men. They then let me go. When I had gone a few steps they had called me to halt. They consulted among themselves, and then let me go. The men were all of medium height, about 5 feet 6 inches, and were not wearing trilby hats. I could not identify the men as the night was very dark. These men were quite courteous to me. I had a watch and valuables, on me, but they were not interfered with.

The housekeeper's evidence was repeated, which has been already given, of how she heard the knock, and on Fr Griffin admitting some one, and heard the two going upstairs speaking normally. After a quarter of an hour she heard what she thought a side car going in the direction of Salthill.

A police witness gave evidence to the searches made by the police for miles around.

Verdict

The court declares that the late Rev Ml. Griffin, C.C., Galway, died on or about November 15, 1920, at or near Cloughscoltia, near Barna, Co. Galway, as the result of a gun—shot to the head, fired feloniously, wilfully and with malice, aforethought by some person or persons unknown, and that such person or persons unknown were guilty of murder.

The court expressed their sincere sympathy with the relatives and many friends of deceased.