On Tuesday morning, Mr Ounsel, of Portland near Portumna, left Killaloe at 6 o’clock, to walk down the bank of the Canal to O’Brien’s Bridge, there to meet the packet boat — he took with him a long gun for the purpose of shooting ducks. As no account could be had of him at O’Brien’s Bridge, it was supposed he fell into the river, and in the course of the day a hat, and a book belonging to him were found on the shore; there is no doubt but he has met a watery grave — to-day several boats are searching for the body.
Clonmel Herald Wednesday 3 February 1830 quoting Limerick Chronicle Saturday 30 January 1830
Irish waterways history 