The Daily Star Ireland
Padraig Nally, the Mayo farmer known for his acquittal in the killing of John ‘Frog’ Ward two decades ago, has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. Nally shot Ward, whom he found trespassing at his secluded farmhouse in Cross on October 14, 2004.
In November 2005, Nally was initially sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter. However, this conviction was overturned, and a retrial in December 2006 found him not guilty.
Mr. Justice Paul Carney, who presided over the initial trial, remarked that it was “undoubtedly the most socially divisive case I’ve had to try and the most difficult case I’ve had to sentence.”
At the time, Nally garnered substantial national support. Conversely, the Travelling community felt further marginalized and isolated due to the case.
Recently, the Irish Independent visited Cross, speaking with locals and visiting Nally’s home. His sister Maureen, who answered the door, chose not to comment, saying she preferred “to leave the past in the past.”
Paddy Rock, a supporter of Nally, felt that the media frenzy at the time was misdirected. He emphasized that the incident was about the individuals involved, not the Travelling community as a whole. Rock highlighted the extensive support Nally received, noting that while in Portlaoise Prison, he was sent approximately 10,000 cards and letters. The prison governor withheld the Christmas cards due to fire hazard concerns, leading Rock to often return from the prison with sacks full of correspondence.
The incident remains vividly remembered in the community and has influenced Irish law. The Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011 was enacted following pressure from rural interest groups, in response to the case.
After his conviction was quashed, Nally continued to farm his land quietly. However, according to a neighbor, the past continued to haunt him. The neighbor commented that Nally was never the same, stating, “It shattered his peace of mind.”
