Michael Betagh ( -1899)
of the East Indian Railway
1899 Died. 'Michael Betagh. We regret to announce the death of the above named gentleman, which occurred at his residence, Lohunda Park, Clonsilla, on Saturday afternoon. For the peat few years he had been in very poor hearth, and for several months was entirely confined to his room, so that his demise was not any means unexpected. For certainly forty years Mr Betagh was prominently identified with the Irish Turf as an owner, breeder, and member of the Turf Club, he being probably the eldest of the racing legislature. Mr Betagh was by profession a civil engineer, and having in early life emigrated to India, he amassed a large fortune there and about two score of years ago returned to his native land....'[1] 'An engineer by profession, Mr Betagh had a good deal to do with railways, both in England and India, and it was while engaged in the latter country that the Mutiny broke out....it became a matter of vital importance to the Raj of England that certain intelligence as to the movements of the mutineers should be conveyed at once to headquarters. Mr Betagh undertook the perilous task, and, by riding long distances at night, succeeded in his aim. For this great service he was awarded by the Government a large grant of land in India when the mutiny was quelled....'[2]