The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #13133   Message #106558
Posted By: Wolfgang
19-Aug-99 - 12:15 PM
Thread Name: Origins: facts behind 'Roddy McCorley'
Subject: RE: Tune Req: facts behind RODDY MCCORLEY
Now I have found this bit which not only gives another date of death but also a less heroic tale:

"After the defeat of the United Irishmen many were unable to return to their former lives and instead became brigands. The most notorious gang in Antrim was led by a man named Thomas Archer. Initially Archer's gang were popular outlaws, exacting revenge on loyalists in the district but, as time passed, their actions became less political and more criminal. During early 1800 the members of the gang were systematically brought to justice and executed. Roddy McCorley was hanged at Toome on 28 February."

Who can help with the truth?

Wolfgang