At a recent gathering, Reverend F. Coryton, the association secretary, provided a fascinating account of the persecution faced by Dr Long in Limerick, Ireland. He attributed this persecution to the immense influence of the papal power in the country. Additionally, he shared several engaging anecdotes from his conversations with Roman Catholic priests during his visits to Limerick.

Reverend Coryton expressed his concern over the lack of intellectual freedom afforded to students in Limerick, particularly in the subjects of theology, philosophy, and history. He bemoaned the fact that these young minds were not permitted to form their own opinions on these crucial matters. Instead, he argued, it was the priests who indoctrinated the public with deep-seated racial animosity towards England.

In the course of his enthralling speech, Reverend Coryton produced a menacing stone—one of several that had been hurled through the window of Dr Long’s Limerick dispensary. This troubling act of violence served as a vivid illustration of the opposition and persecution faced by Dr Long due to the prevailing papal authority in the region.

In conclusion, Reverend Coryton’s captivating description of Dr Long’s Limerick’s tribulations, as well as his keen insights into the complex dynamics between religion, power, and erudition in Ireland, provided critical context to the ongoing struggle for intellectual freedom and tolerance in the region. His account shone a light on the profound impact that the intermingling of politics and religion can have on both individuals and societies as a whole.

Western Daily Press – Tuesday 30 September 1902