moate park

Moate Park 3 km from Roscommon on the Athlone Road, is a most beautiful residence. It was the ancient seat of the Murray family after which it is called - Ballymurray; they were deprived of it at the end of the 17th century, one of whom, Lawder Crofton, dared to contest an election against the all-powerful worthies, French and Sir Robert King. A dispute between Crofton and French led to a duel fought at the rere of Roscommon Castle.

In this, French was mortally wounded and his remains were brought home to Frenchpark for burial. Crofton and King were duly elected. The last member of the family to occupy Moate Park, Sir Edward Crofton, towards the end of the 18th century, bade his family adieu, walked into an adjoining grove and shot himself. His widow, Lady Charlotte Crofton, and her family, left and went to reside in London.