Property loss claim and associated documents related to John Sheckleton.

Sheckleton [also spelled 'Shackleton in the file] worked as caretaker of Lady Ardilaun's Moyode Castle, Craughwell, Galway for ten years prior to the Rising. He, his wife, and daughter were the only occupants of the building when it was stormed early on the morning of April 25, 1916 by approximately 500 Irish Volunteers.

According to Frank Hynes, captain of the Athenry Volunteers, the castle was chosen as it was felt that the men could defend it until their ammunition was spent and because 'there was no trouble in capturing it’ with only a caretaker present.

After the rebels left the castle it was reoccupied by the military and RIC police drafted in to support local police in quashing rebel activity in east Galway. Sheckleton and his family were brought by Loughrea police to Dublin where they were made to identify the rebels and give evidence against them.

On his return to Craughwell, hostility was so intense Sheckleton had to have police protection and finally, to leave the area when he became unemployed and his wife suffered ‘a nervous breakdown due to fright and disturbance’. Through his solicitor Nathaniel Tughan, he claimed a sum of £169 11s from PLIC for 'items taken by the military'. He also made a separate claim for £28 for damage inflicted by the rebels. In total he received just £38 16s for his losses.