The return to Ennis of Mr P. J. Linnane, J.P., Chairman of the Ennis Urban Council, and Mr Joseph O’Sullivan, D.C., Corofin, after serving three months in Limerick Prison, saw an enthusiastic demonstration of welcome and popular sympathy.

A crowd of at least two thousand people gathered at the Ennis station long before the train’s arrival. Upon emerging from his carriage, Mr Linnane was hoisted onto supporters’ shoulders and carried through the front gate, where a large procession commenced, featuring blazing tar barrels, torchlights, and the Ennis Fife and Drum Band. The crowd stopped at the O’Connell Monument, where an extensive meeting took place, chaired by Mr John P. Keane.

Amidst cheering, Mr Linnane expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and maintained that he had never committed an unworthy act during his time with the United Irish League of East Clare. He detailed his treatment in prison and thanked those who had visited him regularly, asserting that his imprisonment only strengthened his Nationalist stance.

Several addresses were read at the gathering, including those from the Ennis Urban Council and the United Irish League’s Ennis Branch, as well as others from the League’s Clonlina and additional branches.

Northants Evening Telegraph – Thursday 11 September 1902