Con McManus: the shooting and trial

Adapted from Catriona McManus Kelly’s original family narrative; research qualifications and links added in September 2026.

The shooting of Cornelius McManus is the dramatic opening of Catriona’s original narrative. A July 1894 newspaper report describes a confrontation with Charles Sweeney in the saloon at 16 Third Street, San Francisco.

From an argument to a shooting

The reports describe a dispute and wrestling between Con and Sweeney, followed by gunfire. Accounts of threats, weapons and self-defence differ. These are reported statements, not a single established reconstruction of the event.

The earlier family narrative placed the shooting at the Union Hotel. The newspaper transcription gives 16 Third Street; that address should not be silently treated as the same premises. Establish the location through contemporary directories and court records.

Con’s death

Con died in 1894, but the current source set contains conflicting dates. His article gives 18 July, while the imported tree gives 8 July, which is inconsistent with the later July shooting reports. The person profile retains the discrepancy for investigation.

Follow the reports

• Con shot twice: the July report.
• Sweeney’s trial, 25 October 1894.
• Sweeney’s trial, 26 October 1894.
• Con McManus, the Gossoon.

The original narrative describes an eight-year sentence. A court disposition or sentencing report is needed to document that outcome. Its further claim about where Sweeney died has not been independently verified here.

Catriona’s warning about the newspapers remains relevant: their reporting mixes family detail with political hostility and dramatic storytelling. Compare the reports with the original court and death records.