TRAGIC AFFAIR IN CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4475, 16 February 1917, Page 2

TRAGIC AFFAIR IN CHURCH.

CURIOUS STORY FROM IRELAND Patrick Rogers pleaded not guilty at Ai mister Assizes last week on an indictment charging him with woundmg with intent to murder Patrick J. i 100-;i ,'tv clerk, employed by Clare {.’omity* Council, at Ballinruoan Roman Catholic Church, on July 2 last. Hegurty’s evidence was that be attended eleven o’clock celebration of Mass at Ballinruan on July 2, which was Sunday. He.occupied a seat at the rear of the church. Just as tue priest was performing the ceremony of the elevation of the Host, when the whole congregation bowed their Heads in adoration, he was gripped at the hack of the neck and a hand drew a knife across his throat, ripping ms collar and tie and inflicting a wound near the windpipe three inches He struggled and screamed, but before he could rise from his knees he got a second cut on the ngm si.;.- ot the neck. He rushed for the doer, but the unseen hand st.d grip.) d.him front behind, and he received a third cut. this time across the face neai chin. He was released from the grip at the church door, -mu m« I'-nOwer rushed away witness swore he saw Ins face.