‘Murder on Chapel Hill’ to be staged by drama group

THE 1807 murder of Reverend James McCartan in Lucan will be retold in an adaption by Lucan Drama.

The drama group will be performing ‘Murder on Chapel Hill’ during the Lucan Festival in early September.

It is billed as a dramatic retelling of the murder trial of those accused of the killing of Rev McCartan. The actual murder took place in Lucan in June 1807 and those who know Lucan will be familiar with the memorial plaque which still stands to this day at the site of the murder.

Rev McCartan (42) was travelling home on June 3, 1807, when he was confronted by a group of six men who were planning to rob someone else.

As it was 10pm and dark at the time, the men didn’t recognise the priest’s collar, shooting him in the heart and stealing his watch and ten shillings.

The murder occurred on Chapel Hill in the St Edmundsbury area.

Thomas Weir (19) and Christopher Walsh (34) were hanged weeks later near the scene of the crime at the crossroads where the traffic lights are today.

Rev McCartan rests within the walls of the ruin of St Finian’s Church in nearby Esker.

Working from the original trial transcript Lucan Drama’s Graham Donlon has created a terrific adaptation and the play will be directed by John Jordan.

The play will run from September 2 to 4, upstairs at Courtneys in Lucan Village.

Details of tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

Rehearsals are already under way and we look forward to seeing you again for another evening of great drama and entertainment.