The town of Limerick has been embroiled in controversy regarding the appointment of a new matron at Barrington’s Hospital. The spirit of intolerance that was manifested in Cork with regards to the question of assisting the sick poor is now being seen here as well. The exclusive nature of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and the protest against the appointment of a new matron at the South Infirmary in Cork have parallels with the actions of the Protestant members of the committee of Barrington’s Hospital. There is concern that the hospital will not have a Catholic matron unless the non-Catholic members of the committee adopt a more liberal attitude. While there were fifteen applications for the position, only three came from Ireland, and only two of those were from Catholics.
The charge of Catholic intolerance falls flat in Limerick, a city that has many monuments to Catholic tolerance. There are many large businesses in the city that have been built up by Catholic support. On the other hand, it was pointed out that, with one or two exceptions, many large concerns in the city close their doors against Catholic applicants for positions.
Northants Evening Telegraph – Saturday 01 June 1901
