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George Reynolds
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George Nugent Reynolds, the last male heir of the family of Reynolds of Lough Scur, was only seventeen when his father, the magistrate from letterfine house, (also George Reynolds) died. He was shot by Robert Keon in 1786. Keon whipped Reynolds at the court session in Carrick-on-Shannon, and as an honour, a duel was arranged. Both parties met early on a Monday morning, on the 16th of October 1786 at Dryaun near Sheemore. But before the ground arrangements were made, Keon began shouting "damn you, you scoundrel, why did you bring me here" and shot him through the head. He and four others were sent to trial. It was felt they would not get a fair trial in Leitrim so the case was transferred to Dublin. Keon was eventually found guilty on the 31st of January and got sentenced to death. His death was read by Lord Earlsford. His chilling sentence was read out on the 16th of January, 1788. This became known as the Sheemore duel. It left two gentlemen dead and all of the country in shock. Violence, which usually consisted of isolated acts against people and property, was commonplace and the government's response to such acts was swift and cold blooded.