8 JANUARY 1848, Page 9

The first prisoner tried before the Special Commission at Limerick

on Wednes- day was William Ryan alias Puck, for the murder of John Kelly, who had been put in possession of land previously tenanted by Ryan's family, in September last. Ryan entered Kelly's house at night, and shot him. The identity of the prisoner was proved by the deceased Kelly's son and daughter, who witnessed the murder; and the Jury, without retiring, found a verdict of "Guilty."

Next day, Ryan was sentenced to be banged. Two other prisoners were con- victed, and sentenced to transportation for life,—Robert Burke, for breaking into a dwelling-house; and William Fruen for harbouring a felon.