This case involved an appeal against an order from the King’s Bench Division to change the venue from Dublin to Clare. The plaintiff, Patrick Gorman, a farmer’s son residing in County Clare, accused the defendants, Peter and Michael O’Gorman, also farmers from the same area, of negligently and wrongfully keeping a dangerous swarm of bees on their land. The plaintiff claimed that the bees attacked and injured him and his horse, resulting in severe personal injuries and significant medical expenses. The defendants pleaded contributory negligence, arguing that the plaintiff had brought the horse too close to the bees, provoking them.

The plaintiff appealed against the order to change the venue, requesting it to be changed to Limerick instead. The appeal was heard by Mr Rushe, K.C. and Mr P. Lynch for the plaintiff, and Mr Brereton Barry, K.C. and Mr Phelps for the defendants. The respective lawyers argued that each party had strong influence in County Clare, and as such, a fair trial could not be achieved there.

Lord FitzGibbon ultimately ruled that the city of Limerick would be a more suitable venue for the trial, as it was a more neutral location and better able to accommodate the jurors and parties involved. The ruling changed the venue to Limerick, with costs to be determined in the resulting trial.

Northants Evening Telegraph – Thursday 13 February 1902