Nationalist, 12th March 1921. Young man shot dead. On Sunday morning last a force of British military arrived in Rathanna near Borris, Carlow, while Mass was being celebrated. There are several "Mass paths" in the vicinity. James Hayden, who had been at Mass and Holy Communion was proceeding home by one of those paths accompanied by three other men. While crossing the field a shot rang out and Mr. Hayden fell dead, shot through the back. It is stated that the party were halted in the usual way. Owing to an order from Dublin Castle, Mr. R.P. McDonald, Coroner, was prohibited from holding an inquest in this particular case. Deep sympathy has been extended to his widowed mother and brother, Rev. Father Hayden, C.C. Bagenalstown. The funeral on Wednesday was one of the largest seen for years. R.I.P.