​“According to William Egan of Clonfanlough, County Offaly, immediately the person dies, the window of the room was opened top and bottom because ‘the angel used to come in overhead an’ the devil had to go out under’. He had been given this explanation by a neighbour, who also believed that at the time of death space must be left beside the bed for the angel guardian. These rituals of stopping clocks, covering mirrors and opening windows have been recorded throughout the midlands and they were observed until recently.”
Death Customs in Rural Ireland: Traditional Funerary Rites in the Irish Midlands, Anne Ridge

​“Sergeant Edward Gannon deposed that about 11:30 on Thursday he was at the barrack door when Mrs. Vicara came up to hi and said there was a boy drowned. He immediately proceeded to the spot but saw nothing. He procured a boat, and superintended the dragging of the river, and found the bodies about two hours afterwards. They were then apparently dead. They were clung in each other’s arms. O’Shea being on top.
 
……
 
The Coroner, in summing up, said that it was a very melancholy case, indeed. It was evident from the information received that it was purely accidental, and the action of John Moynihan was exceptionally plucky and gallant. He certainly deserved a better afte. He then suggested that the jury would find a verdict that John Moynihan died from suffocation from accidental drowning whist gallantly trying to save the life of John O’Shea, and that John O’Shea died from accidental drowning.
 
A verdict accordingly was returned.”
 
Cork Examiner, August 01, 1903