[ note added 2013 by Michael Purcell -- Despite the fact that he had the public backing of most of the Carlow based Roman Catholic priests Thomas C. Bunbury failed to be elected as Coroner ( the influential Parish Priest of Tinryland, Fr. Tyrrell had pledged his support four months before the election was called ! ) it was rumoured that Mr Bunbury was withdrawing from "public life" and retiring to a Monastery. The Sentinel recommended he " join the lay Monks at Tullow". In the following months The Carlow Sentinel continued at every opportunity to ridicule Thomas Bunbury, his name usually followed by "laughter" in brackets - ( laughter). We intend to report only some of the incidents recorded in the PPP and The Carlow Sentinel newspapers, especially where such reports may help our CarlowIGP readers with their own family research. To confuse matters I believe there was at least one other Thomas Bunbury living in Carlow at this time. Turtle might clear that up for us ?. There is reference at the end of this piece to Mr Thomas C. Bunbury's " kif, kin, and relations" Carlow Sentinel. 20th September 1834. [ comment ] ___________________ MR BUNBURY. Art has no mortal enemies, Next ignorance, but owls and geese; Those consecrated geese in orders, That to the Capitol were warders; And being then upon patrol, With noise alone beat off the Gaul: ( Hudibras ) Our readers are all aware that Rome was once saved by the cackling of geese, which alarmed the sentinels and saved the capitol ; and, yet, simple as he may appear, there is scarcely a doubt but our old friend, Tom Bunbury, will yet be instrumental, like the consecrated geese, in saving old Ireland from ruin and utter annihilation. To be serious, we understand this much disappointed gentleman has resumed his labours and intends taking a tour to induce the farmers to attend the sessions and to register their votes for the priests and old Ireland. A letter, which we think was written by him, signed " A Protestant" also appears in the Carlow Post. It is truly edifying to peruse the appeals of this dignified gentleman to the farmers of the country. Take the following as a specimen :- " Freeholders ill usage and tyranny prevent you from persevering in your duty to old Ireland." Now had Mr Bunbury addressed them as follows he would be quite correct :-- " Freeholders, I am the most ill-used man living, except Daniel O'Connell ; I created a snug birth for myself, and wished to become a coroner ; but the aristocracy, aye that base aristocracy and the Sentinel newspaper, opposed me, just as I was about applying the honey to my lips they snatched the cup and dashed it to the ground. Here am I a most disappointed man and the most ill-used patriot in Ireland. I intended to give up agitation, if they allowed me to creep in quietly ; but now, like Hannibal, I will bring my children to the altar, and make them swear eternal enmity to the cruel aristocracy for not electing me" --- Now making due allowance for Mr Bunbury's tropes and metaphors, we think the above is very nearly the substance of what he should say in addressing the "freeholders." You have the tithes yet to combat quote the writer ; so much the worse for Thomas C. Bunbury's kif, kin, and relations say we ; for as they have an interest in tithes, the property of Mr Bunbury's father, if they be not disposed of advantageously, about twelve of his kindred will be the sufferers by the "combat." We are not aware that there is any situation vacant at present that this dignified gentleman could aspire to.