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I would just like to clarify the fact that this is the grave of John O’Connell- Curtin and his wife Agnes DeCourcy Curtin, and some members of their very large family.
As well as the persons named on the headstone, a daughter of John and Agnes, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Curtin, was buried in this grave in 1938. She is not named on the headstone.
John O’Connell Curtin was a native of Killeedy Parish, near Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. His mother was a Miss O’Connell from Meenakilla, also known as Meenkilly, Caherconnell, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick.
His father was Cornelius John Curtin, an extensive land-holder in West Limerick. John O'Connell-Curtin took his mother’s name as well as his father’s name, Curtin, hence the name O’Connell-Curtin.
He married Agnes DeCourcy of Castlefarm, Molahiffe, Firies, Co. Kerry in 1847, and moved there afterwards. They held and farmed the entire townland of Castlefarm.
Molahiffe Graveyard is situated on the lands once held by John O’Connell Curtin- a short distance from his residence, Castlefarm House. The lands and house are now owned by the McMahon Family.
On 13th November 1885, Castlefarm House was attacked by a gang of Moonlighters in search of firearms and a vicious struggle ensued.
John O’Connell-Curtin was shot dead after he had shot a Moonlighter dead in the hallway of the house.
Following the jailing of some members of the Mononlighter Gang, the O’Connell-Curtin Family was subjected to a vicious and persistent boycott, harassment and intimidation.
The family was eventually forced to leave their lands and home.
The O’Connell-Curtin case became international headlines, especially because of the courageous and vital part played by Lizzie and Nora Curtin in resisting and fighting the attackers.
The case figured in the ‘Parnell Commission’ on crime and members of the family gave evidence to the Commission.
I would like to suggest that the name ‘O’Connell’ on your excellent list of graves be amended to read ‘O’Connell-Curtin.’
This would ensure that persons who are interested in the history of Firies and Castlefarm, and the famous ‘Curtin Case’ would be greatly facilitated in identifying the grave’s location.
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