In a decisive turn of events, the planned sale of evicted farms near Pallasgreen, County Limerick, has been abandoned following resounding opposition from the local community. The announcement of the sale’s abandonment was met with satisfaction and relief during a gathering at Mr Fitt’s auction rooms, where a significant number of Limerick representatives convened to express their concerns.
Prominent figures such as Rev M. Ryan, Rev John Power, Rev John Sullivan, Mr W. Lundon MP, and Alderman O’Mara were among the attendees. Mr Fitt himself conveyed the news that the sale had been withdrawn, assuring those present that the farms would not be offered for sale in the foreseeable future.
The abandonment of the sale marks a significant victory for the community, which had rallied against the prospect of these farms falling into the hands of speculators and outsiders. It is a testament to the power of collective action and highlights the determination of Limerick’s residents to protect the rights of the evicted tenants.
A subsequent meeting held at the Town Hall allowed the community to come together to express their gratitude for the sale’s cancellation. Rev Father Sullivan, who chaired the gathering, emphasized that their work was far from over, and they must continue their efforts until the evicted tenants are rightfully reinstated.
During the meeting, Rev. Father Sullivan recounted the history of the case, underlining the fact that Mr Dobbs, the middleman, had no further interest in the farms, as their actual value was not more than what he was paying for them. Rev Father Ryan, who had been the pastor in Pallasgreen during the evictions, reiterated the importance of their presence at the auction, clarifying that their intent was not to intimidate potential buyers but to inform them about the farms’ status as evicted properties.
Mr Lundon, MP, shared that he had only been made aware of the sale a day before and had acted swiftly to intervene. He conveyed that Mr Fitt himself acknowledged that had any prominent local figure explained the circumstances, he would not have proceeded with the sale and pledged not to do so in the future.
The meeting witnessed resolutions put forth by Mr Cunningham, DC, and seconded by Mr Quinlan, DC, vehemently protesting against the sale of these farms to speculators or any other parties. The resolutions firmly asserted that there would be no peace in the region until the rightful evicted tenants were reinstated. Rev Father Power wholeheartedly endorsed these resolutions, stressing that the withdrawal of the sale marked their first victory. He asserted that, by steadfastly maintaining their opposition without compromise, they could achieve the ultimate goal of returning the tenants to their rightful holdings.
During the gathering, passionate speeches were delivered by individuals such as Messrs. Mark O’Brien and McInerney, further solidifying the collective resolve to protect the interests of the evicted tenants.
In a unanimous show of appreciation, Rev. Father Ryan proposed a vote of thanks to Father Sullivan for presiding over the meeting, which was promptly seconded by Mr John McInerney. This gesture underscored the unity and determination of the community to stand up for the rights of evicted tenants and work relentlessly towards their reinstatement.
The events surrounding the abandoned sale near Pallasgreen, County Limerick, serve as a striking example of community solidarity and the power of collective action. It showcases how the concerted efforts of local residents and prominent figures can bring about meaningful change and protect the rights of those who have been unjustly evicted from their homes. As the community celebrates this initial victory, their unwavering commitment to the cause of reinstating evicted tenants remains steadfast, promising a brighter future for all those affected by this issue.
Northants Evening Telegraph – Wednesday 03 April 1901
