The Trial of James Cotter -Dr Kieran Groeger - Early Eighteenth Century Ireland

What happens when you destroy someone's reputation beyond repair. In Eighteenth century Ireland, it could cost you your life. When James Cotter (Séamus Óg Mac Coitir; 4 August 1689 - 7 May 1720), of Carrigtwohill was hanged in 1720 there were riots all over Ireland. People protested at such a terrible injustice. It was considered Judicial Murder. Twice the jury had said “not guilty” and the judge ordered them to change their verdict. The story of James Cotter involves spies, assassinations, at least four kings of England, the Battle of the Boyne, Nano Nagle, Fr. Mathew, Oliver
Plunkett and Oliver Cromwell, the Penal Laws - a truly fascinating story which utterly divides historians. Was he really guilty or was it a conspiracy to destroy an ancient,
wealthy Catholic family? You decide!
This book explores the family background of James Cotter and also that of Elizabeth Squibb (who prosecuted him). New evidence is offered that Jonathan Swift was commenting on the case in some carefully written letters and poems. Was this a deliberate miscarriage of justice or just a number of people seeking revenge?
Dr. Kieran Groeger is the author of “The Trial and Execution of James Cotter”,Kieran Groeger is a retired teacher and keen cyclist. His interactive iBook "Youghal Heritage Trail" is available, free, through iTunes or a hard copy by post from himself. His doctoral thesis was on school bullying about which he has written in academic journals.
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