What does the cryptic crossword clue "Was a criminal almost sent west in Irish town? (5)" mean?

The definition is "Irish town". The wordplay uses a reversal. SINNE (reversal="SINNE") = ENNIS; definition: "Irish town?" The answer is ENNIS.

Was a criminal almost sent west in Irish town? (5)

Times Cryptic #28599 | 9 Across | 2023-05-10 flower