Padraig Nally: The Mayo Farmer Who Shot Trespasser John Frog Ward

The Story of Padraig Nally
Padraig Nally was the Mayo farmer who shot and killed trespasser John "Frog" Ward in 2004. The case became a cause célèbre in Ireland, and Nally was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter. He served 11 months in prison before being released in 2006.
Nally's case raised important questions about the rights of property owners and the use of deadly force in self-defense. It also highlighted the issue of trespass and the problems that can arise when people enter private property without permission.
The Shooting
On October 14, 2004, Nally was working on his farm when he saw Ward trespassing on his land. Ward was a member of the traveling community, and he and his family had been camping on Nally's land for several weeks.
Nally asked Ward to leave, but Ward refused. Nally then went to get his shotgun, and he fired a warning shot into the air. Ward still refused to leave, and Nally fired a second shot, which struck and killed Ward.
The Trial
Nally was charged with murder, but he was acquitted of that charge by a jury. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 11 months in prison.
Nally's acquittal was controversial, and many people felt that he should have been convicted of murder. However, the jury found that Nally had acted in self-defense, and they acquitted him of the more serious charge.
Aftermath
Nally served 11 months in prison before being released in 2006. He has since returned to his farm and has largely avoided the public eye.
The case of Padraig Nally is a complex one, and there are no easy answers. It raises important questions about the rights of property owners and the use of deadly force in self-defense. It also highlights the issue of trespass and the problems that can arise when people enter private property without permission.