Patrick Daley

Who is Patrick Daley?

Patrick Daley was a 19th-century Australian bushranger.

Patrick was born at Yass, New South Wales, in 1844 and was only a lad when he became associated with John O'Meally. John introduced him to Ben Hall, John Vane, Alex Fordyce, Fred Lowry, Harry Manns, Jimmy Dunleavy and Pat Connors, who were destined to go down in bushranging history.

Patrick became involved in Ben Halls' gang and took part in several of his escapades. On 7 February 1863, Patrick joined Ben Hall when they raided the unmanned Pinnacle Police Station and stole a rifle, a carbine, a bridle, and a pair of saddlebags. From there they next held up a store at Big Wombat owned by Myer Solomon, and stole money, horses, guns, clothing and stores. A young boy picked up a revolver during the robbery and pointed it at the bushrangers, but was forced to drop it when one of the bushrangers placed a gun to the head of Mrs Solomon and threatened to kill her. It was reported that Daley then knocked the boy down and kicked him.

The police were never very far behind the bushrangers and on 11 March 1863, shots were exchanged between them, Daley and O'Meally.