Almost Insensible with Terror (Co. Clare)

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death coach

A man living at Annaghneale was returning from Tulla late at night. As he reached the corner of Fortanne demesne he heard a heavy rumbling behind him, and horses trotting. Surprised after a time by its not coming nearer, he looked back and saw a large dark mass with a figure on the box. It came no closer to him, and in a fright he hurried on. At a bend in the road he ventured to stand at the fence and look again. This time he saw the horses and carriage drive over the wall and ditch into Fortanne. He fell, nearly insensible with terror, but, hearing and seeing nothing more, hurried home. This was told to a steward at Maryfort about twenty years ago, and happened ‘long after the sale of Fortanne’ to its present owner in 1879. The present tradition of Fortanne says that the coach was heard at the deaths of certain Westropps after 1873, but nothing happened after its last appearance. Westropp ‘Clare’ 193-194

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