The Notorious Highwayman, - Shane Crossagh O’ Mullan

Shane “Crossagh O Mullan” roamed the highways of Derry and Tyrone. Also known as John O’Mullan, his father was a small farmer from Faughanvale who had been evicted from his Farm for non-payment of rent (A Common practice during the late 1600’s)

The name “Crossagh” means “Pock-Marked” probably referring to an ancestor who was blemished, as Shane himself had no such problem and was considered handsome and dashing by the local female population. His father, Donal and brothers were also called Crossagh and this, as is the practice in Dungiven, may have been used as a “nickname” to differentiate families with a similar surname thus distinguishing his family from other O’Mullans.

After a clash with Soldiers at the old farmstead Shane went on “the run” and for many years evaded capture. The Robin Hood equivalent for Northern Ireland, he was an honourable man who usually robbed the rich and gave part of his booty to the poor. Shane was reputed to have killed only one other man - a fellow reparee who had killed one of the landlords under Shane’s protection.

The Glenshane Pass is named after him – the Glen of Shane. Stories and songs of his exploits are numerous but one of the most famous was when he ambushed General Napier and his Troops on a narrow bridge near Feeny. After taking their arms and valuables, he made them strip to their underwear and walk the rest of the way to Derry. The bridge is still called the General’s Bridge. On another occasion he fled through the Ness Wood to avoid capture and jumped from a waterfall on Burntollet River breaking a leg in the process but still managing to escape.

The falls are called Shane’s Leap after this event. Shane Crossagh was eventually captured after he had been betrayed by a weaver from the Dungiven area when Shane called to collect his levy of 10p. He was arrested and taken with his sons to Derry Gaol.

Although offered a reprieve by Henry Carey, whose life Shane had saved years earlier, he could or would not accept the offer which applied only to himself and not to his sons (Mr Carey Lived in DUNGIVEN CASTLE and had the right to reprieve only one criminal per year). Shane Crossagh O’Mullan was hanged with his sons in the Diamond in Derry in 1722 .

Shane Crossagh was buried at Banagher Old Church. It is said he took the secret of his buried treasure with him to the grave. Apparently, not too far away, lies a foal skin full of gold coins amassed by the bold highwayman before and after his great leap at the Ness falls.