WOMAN VICTIM OF MASKED MEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 104, 1 May 1920, Page 19

WOMAN VICTIM OF MASKED MEN.

While defending her hearth against all masked men, Mrs. Ellen Morris, wife of a farmer at the Ballagh, seven miles from Enniscorthy, was shot through the heart Mrs. Morris, 54, was the mother of fifteen children. The murder occurred on Saturday night. Just after neighbours whom Bhe entertained had left the house. She ; was sitting talking to her cousin, a man j named Connors —her husband at tho time j being at supper In another room—when, suddenly, masked men, six at least, all armed with revolvers, opened the door and entered the kitchen. The leader announced that they had come to search for arms. Mrs. Morris replied that there were neither arms nor money in the house, and ordered the intruders to leave at once. With the Idea of Intimidating her, the leader discharged his revolver, the bullet going through the ceiling and out through the thatched roof. Mrs.' Morris seized a spade which was lying near the fire, and, waving It aloft, again told the men to get out. The raiders backed away towards the door. She was close to the leader when he levelled his revolver against her breast and pressed the trigger. The bullet passed through her body. The episode lasted two minutes only. Mrs. Morris' husband and cousin ran to her assistance. The husband caught her in his arms as she sank to the floor exclaiming "I'm shot." Connors was going to fetch a priest, when the assassin said: "You will go for no priest; she does not want one; and If you or anyone else leave this house within two hours the same end awaits them." The murderer then closed the door and vanished-