Glensaul Evictions

[Kevin Malley]

The Glensaul evictions took place mid 19th century in Co Mayo. Through some research I believe my family fell victim to these evictions. Apparently a bishop Plunkett was forcing catholics to send their children to protestant schools, evictions were ordered for those who refused. A local catholic priest Fr Ward wrote a letter in 1854 listing the 104 families evicted from the Plunkett estate to the Dublin Telegraph.
Does anyone have any ideas how I could trace down this letter?

[shanew147]

some details on the people mentioned from the Ecclesiastical Directory in Thom's 1852, in case that helps :

Established Church (Church of Ireland)

  Right Hon. and Right Rev. Thomas Plunkett D.D., Lord Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achrony. palace at Tuam
   
There are several RC parish priests listed in Co. Mayo with the  surname Ward - not sure, but three of these (Peter) could all relate to the same person serving more than one parish :

  Andrew Ward, Tuam, Dunmore   (Diocese, Post town)
  Peter Ward, Tuam, Westport
  Peter Ward, Tuam, Ballinrobe
  Peter Ward, Tuam, Castlebar

According to this article by Turtle Bunbury  Fr. Patrick Lavelle - The Patriot Priest of Partry, the dispute related to sending children of the Bishops tennents to the new National Schools, rather than protestant schools.


   
Shane