Whalen Family

Immediately after witnessing the murder of the Donnellys, Johnny O’Connor ran to the home of Patrick and Ann Whalen who lived across the road. Fearful, the Whalens were slow to go over to the Donnelly home to investigate the fire, but Patrick and his two sons Joseph and John did eventually visit the Donnelly homestead while the fire was still burning. The family’s testimony clearly shows that they were nervous about getting involved in anything to do with the murders. Ann told Johnny O’Connor not to tell her anything about the crime. Patrick went so far as to change his testimony between the coroner’s inquest and the Preliminary Examination just a few weeks later. Patrick joined the Peace Society, but claimed he did not belong to the Vigilance Committee.

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