The enquiry into conditions at Limerick Prison resumed on Tuesday, with several witnesses providing their testimony. Mr Michael O’Sullivan, the prison’s governor, insisted that the sanitary arrangements were satisfactory and noted that the prisoner in question had only spent two nights on a plank bed before being provided with a full bed, extra diet, and his own clothes. He also mentioned that the prisoner was separated from others.

Sir A. McCullagh attributed the typhoid outbreak in Limerick city to contaminated water. However, Dr Colston, the visiting physician to the prison, disagreed and argued that the cause of Flanagan’s fever was not food or water but the atmosphere. Dr Colston detailed the treatment given to Flanagan, leading the inspector to acknowledge the physician’s professional approach to the case.

This enquiry highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the conditions of prisons in Limerick and their potential impact on prisoner health. The conflicting opinions about the cause of the typhoid outbreak demonstrate the complexity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the well-being of inmates.

Gloucester Citizen – Wednesday 19 November 1902