Will there be a reprieve for Roscommon Gaol where once Lady Betty carried out executions?
The jail building that dominates Roscommon town now faces an uncertain future.
Roscommon Jail, a gaunt, sombre building erected well over 200 years ago.
While the future is uncertain the building has a very real and horrifying past. One of the more macabre stories to come from the jail is that of Lady Betty (Elizabeth "Liz" Sugrue). She became known as the Hangwoman of Roscommon. Lady Betty and her two sons were left destitute after the death of her husband. One son died young and years later she was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of the other. On the day she was due to be executed, the hangman was ill and Betty agreed to carry out the executions in exchange for her life being spared. Lady Betty carried on living in the prison where she carried out executions and floggings.
Architect and local historian, Brian O'Carroll, says that the gaol is one of the few buildings in Roscommon of any age or antiquity. Dating from the early 1700s, he argues age alone warrants its preservation.
If it did go, a great landmark would have been lost to the town.
Recent newspaper reports suggest the gaol could be demolished to make way for commercial developments in the town.
A group of CBS students are particularly anxious that the gaol should be saved and have carried out extensive research on its history.
Councillor Terry Leyden is hopeful that the building will survive despite the fact that the building is private property and the county council has no say about what happens to it. Terry Leyden says that if the property were put on the market, it would be possible for the council to purchase it. He suggests that the building could possibly be converted into an An Óige Youth Hostel.
This report for 'Newsround' was broadcast on 23 February 1975. The reporter is Sean Duignan.
