The tragic case of Bridget Cleary in 1895, South Tipperary
(Image credits: The National Archive)
Later on, I will be speaking to Anne Williamson of the Fionn MacCumhaill Players about the tragic case of Bridget Cleary in 1895, Tipperary.
Anne co-wrote the short film "Bridget" with Brian Clancy and recently won an award at the IndieX Film Fest Annual Awards in Los Angeles.
On March 15th, 1895 Bridget Cleary's husband, Micheal Cleary, burned her to death following several nights of torture. He was not alone. Family members within the household aided in the interrogations and did not stop him as an innocent woman was murdered.
Why? Because Michael Cleary believed Bridget was taken away by the fairies. That in her place was a changeling.
This dark part of Ireland's history occurred in the town of Ballyvadlea. Anne Williamson is from Mullinahone, a few miles down the road and she grew up hearing the stories of Bridget passed down to her by her grandfather.
"Bridget", the short film, was created to vindicate the woman formerly known as Bridget Boland. You will hear all about the tragic case in an upcoming episode of The Other Ireland podcast.