The following is an extract from The Lady’s Magazine, London, April 1799
Limerick, April 8. A permanent court-martial has been sitting here since the 19th ult. On Friday, James and Patrick Mangane, near Shonna Golden (Shannagolden), were executed on the New Bridge.
Patrick Kelly, sen, and jun., of Ballingarry, J. Kelly, J. Sullivan, and J. Cavanagh, convicted of having robbed the house of ____ Cormody (Carmody), near Knockburney, were brought out for execution.
At the foot of the gallows, Patrick Kelly, the younger, was reprieved, under an impression that he had acted under the influence of his father; and the rest were informed, that mercy would be extended to two others; but as the guilt of all was alike, the survivors must be determined by drawing lots.
A scene the most interesting ensued; at length, the lots falling on John Cavanagh and John Kelly, they were launched into eternity.
It is very unusual to see an execution taking place on a bridge when Gallows Green was available just outside of Garryowen. The New Bridge, was where Mathew Bridge is today.