Murder Charges

A murder charge was filed at the Glin Petty Sessions against James Normile and Michael Normile. The two were initially arrested on October 26 for house-breaking and inflicting grievous bodily harm on John Dillane in his house at East Mall, Glin, on the night of October 25. Dillane later passed away on November 14. Several magistrates were in attendance during the proceedings, including Captain Crane, the Knight of Glin, Major Kiggell, and Messrs Francis Fitzgerald and Stephen Pegnm.

Mr William Leahy, Crown Solicitor, represented the prosecution and stated that the charge was now one of willful murder. Defense attorneys Messrs P.F. Liston and Thomas M Windle represented the accused. The depositions of the deceased, as well as his wife and stepson, were read out during the hearing.

In cross-examination, Mrs. Dillane mentioned that the deceased did not name John Normile as one of the attackers in his deposition. Constable Somersett deposed to being called by Dillane’s wife on October 25 and finding her husband lying on the floor along with stones. He further stated that he previously encountered James Normile holding a stick, which he then confiscated.

Dr Charles McDonnell testified that he was called to attend to the deceased on October 25, finding him lying on the floor with a fractured right leg below the knee. He treated Dillane, but the injury eventually led to gangrene and pneumonia, resulting in his death.

Sergeant O’Rourke stated he arrived at the deceased’s house on October 25 to find him lying on the floor in a pool of blood. He reported seeing an excited crowd that included the accused earlier in the evening, with Michael Normile appearing eager to fight. After ordering them to go home, they proceeded down the Mall Road. In response to Mr Leahy, O’Rourke mentioned that deceased had purchased hay from an evicted farm in Killiany and that the two accused had no connection to the farm.

Since the hearing had gone late, the case was postponed, and the accused were remanded for eight days, facing their fifth appearance before the magistrates. They were then conveyed to Limerick jail.

Limerick County Council

During the quarterly meeting of the Limerick County Council, held on Saturday and chaired by Mr Hurley, J.P. of Newcastle West, an important letter was read. The letter, dated November 27, 1902, came from the Local Government Board in Dublin. It acknowledged the council’s response to telegrams regarding the date for conducting a local inquiry concerning the final declaration and scheme of the Limerick County Council regarding the use of direct labour for road maintenance in the county. The letter also mentioned the Kilmallock Rural District Council’s decision to rescind their resolution to appeal the case.

The Local Government Board informed the County Council that the inquiry must proceed to allow them to determine whether the scheme could continue as is or with modifications. Accordingly, the board had instructed their chief engineering inspector, Mr P.C. Cowen, to conduct the inquiry at the courthouse in Limerick on the 10th proximo (referring to the upcoming month). A copy of the inquiry notice was enclosed for the council’s information. The notice stated that any interested individuals could attend the inquiry at 11 o’clock and provide evidence.

During the meeting, Mr Horan, the county surveyor, stated his readiness to assume responsibility for the roads in the Kilmallock district effective immediately. However, he noted that the opinion of the solicitor, Mr Leahy, needed to be considered. Mr Leahy agreed with Mr Horan, but emphasized the need to follow proper advertising protocols in certain cases. With the direct labour approach, there would be no need for tenders, and Mr Horan could proceed with the work promptly. It was agreed to advertise where necessary and ensure the work was carried out under the supervision of the county surveyor.

In response to a motion by Mr O’Dwyer, a resolution was adopted, stating that the Local Government engineer should assess the condition of the county’s roads. Additionally, Mr Leahy, the council’s solicitor, was assigned to attend the inquiry.

Furthermore, the Chairman shared the following information from a meeting of delegates from the Irish Land and Labour Association. It was resolved that Mr John Osborne and Mr John Duggan would appear before the County Council to respectfully request renewed efforts to provide employment for unemployed labourers during the upcoming holidays. They expected the council to present compelling evidence supporting the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of the proposed direct labour scheme during the sworn inquiry on the 10th proximo. They also requested provision for representatives of the labour interest to present evidence.

Concerned Reader

Dear Sir,

I would like to share a few remarks regarding the contentious issue of hunting. First and foremost, I would like to correct a statement published in the Munster News, which claimed that Nationalists were not allowed to be part of the Limerick Hunt. This is entirely untrue. We have several prominent Nationalists who are members and subscribers of our hunt. The Limerick Hunt is a non-political entity, welcoming all individuals who are passionate about the sport. Furthermore, the Munster News fails to acknowledge that both the landed gentry and farmers equally permit us to ride across their lands and estates, for which we are deeply grateful.

Allow me to provide you with a list of demesnes that graciously open their doors to the hunt. Please pardon any omissions, and I hope the owners will kindly excuse me for any oversight. This list is derived from a map in my possession: Adare Manor, Bruree House, Ballinagarde, Attyflyn, Altavilla, Abbeyville, Ballynanty, Beechmount, Ballywilliam, Roskel, Ballymacrease, Ballynoe, Ballyneale, Ballinborrick, Curraghchase, Castletown Waller, Carass, Carass Court, Cahirmoyle, Castletown Conyers, Caher Guilamore, Castletown, Croom House, Croom Castle, Cahirconlish, Cooper Hill, Clorane, Copsewood, Dromore, Drewscourt, Dronard, Elm Park, Faha, Fanningston, Fedamore, Fort George, Friarstown, Grauge, Gleawillian Castle, Glenville, Glebevan, Green Mount, Hollywood, Islandmore, Inchirourke, Kilpeacon, Kilcosgrave, Kilgobin, Kitballyowen, Liskenvet, Licadoon, Miltown, Mellon, Mundellihy, Naunteoan, Odelvelle, Rockbarton, Roxboro, Rossmore, Rockfield, Riddiestown, Sandville, Stoneville, and Tervoe.

Can the Munster News confirm if anyone has ever been prevented from riding or driving on these lands due to their politics, positions, or actions? I will answer that question myself: it has never happened. All individuals, regardless of their affiliations, receive the same warm welcome. This is because, as proud Irishmen, the owners hold sport in high regard and would never take actions that could harm it. Moreover, as Irishmen, they embrace anything that brings economic benefits and employment to our impoverished country.

The forbearance and sporting spirit exhibited by these gentlemen are greatly appreciated by the hunt. I cannot conclude my letter without paying tribute and offering praise to the farmers for their invaluable assistance and the joyous welcome they consistently extend to us. By supporting the hunt, they contribute to the labour cause, promote employment, and foster positive relationships among all social classes. Should we abolish such an institution simply because it refuses to compromise its non-political principles? If landlords had adopted such tactics and closed their gates to those with differing public opinions, hunting would have long ceased to exist.

To the members of the U.I.L, I implore you not to be less open-minded. Stick to your principles and fight for your cause like true men. However, do not mix business with pleasure. Do not destroy an institution that is immensely valuable to all in an attempt to punish a few individuals. If you do, remember that it is the poor who will suffer. The wealthy can seek their pleasures elsewhere

A Reader.

County Limerick Hunt

The County Limerick hunt was halted once again yesterday at Rock Barton, near Lord Fermoy’s residence, due to the intervention of members of the United Irish League and other protesters. The protesters approached the Master of the hunt, Captain Wise, and asked him to prevent certain objectionable individuals from participating in the hunt. Captain Wise, however, stated that these individuals were members of the hunt and had paid their subscriptions, so he could not comply with the protesters’ demands. As a result, opposition to the hunt continued, leading Captain Wise to eventually call off the event by withdrawing the dogs.

Limerick Guardians

The Guardians of the Limerick Union hereby announce that they will be accepting tenders for a 3-year maintenance contract to keep all the roofs associated with the Workhouse Buildings in good repair. The contract will commence from the date of acceptance. Detailed specifications provided by the Guardians’ Engineer can be viewed at his office located at No. 10 Glentworth Street.

Interested parties submitting tenders must be willing to provide a bond with two financially secure sureties to ensure the satisfactory execution of the contract. Tenders, along with the names of the sureties, must be submitted before 12 o’clock noon on the specified date mentioned above. The outside of the tender envelope should be clearly marked as “Roof.”

Please note that the Guardians reserve the right to decline the lowest or any tender.

By order of the Limerick Union,
H. J. GUINANE
Clerk of Union.

East Limerick

The East Limerick Executive of the Irish Land and Labour Association will convene for a crucial meeting on Sunday, the 7th of this month at 12 o’clock noon sharp. We urge the following branches to send their delegates to Hospital on the aforementioned Sunday: Crecora, Fedamore, Lough Gur, Bruree, Dromin, Camass, Bruff, Knocklong, Herbertstown, Dromkeen, Kilteely, Carrick-on-Suir, Caherelly, Caherline, and Pallas. Delegates are requested to bring resolutions from their respective branches.

Anticipated as the largest gathering in East Limerick, the Hospital meeting will address vital and significant issues. Discussions will cover the appointment of competent individuals to provide evidence at the upcoming sworn inquiry in Limerick, scheduled for the 10th of this month. The consideration of engaging a professional advocate to ensure the success of the approved general declaration scheme of direct labour, supported by the Limerick County Council, will also take place.

Members of the Land and Labour Association in County Limerick, please make arrangements to attend the meeting in Hospital on the upcoming Sunday and prepare for your participation in Limerick on the 10th of December. Every member is strongly encouraged to join us in Limerick on that day. A formidable opposition against the direct labour scheme has emerged, so let us be proactive and ready to provide evidence in support of the case that our esteemed leader, Lord Emly, has championed over the past four years.

Chairman: John F. Osborne
Secretary: Michael ConwayA quarterly meeting of the Limerick County Council was held with Mr Thomas Hurley, V.C., presiding. Several members were present, including Messrs. William Gibbins, J.P.; John B Barrington, J.P.; E. Mitchell, J.P.; Daniel Clanchy, John O’Neill, J.P.; John Coleman, Michael Feheny, Michael Naughton, P. Vaughan, Lord Emly, W.W. O’Dwyer, P. Duggan, John Ryan, B.C. Collins, D. Ruddle, J. Bourke, J. McGrath, M. Naughton, E. Sheehy, MP.., C. O’Shaughnessy, P. O’Shaughnessy, J.P. (Newcastle West), P. O’Shaughnessy (Glin), John Ryan, and M. Condon.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and Mr Hurley highlighted the extra work done by the accountant, Mr Quaid, in reducing the rates. It was proposed that Mr Quaid should be granted a five percent allowance on the reductions he had achieved, which was agreed upon.

Limerick Teachers

Mr P. Bradshaw, a national school teacher from Cappamore, attended as a representative of the county Limerick teachers to request that the Council implement the resolutions previously passed regarding the compulsory clauses of the Education Act. The Council was aware that a committee had been appointed and certain proposals were agreed upon and incorporated into a report. Mr Bradshaw explained that with each passing year, the need for enforcing the compulsory clauses of the Education Act became more apparent. Progressive nations had already implemented such clauses, resulting in 98 percent of children attending schools, while in Ireland, the attendance rate was only 32 percent. The efforts of the teachers’ agitation had saved the country a considerable amount of money in relation to the equivalent grant and practically provided free education. Mr Bradshaw cited the example of Cappamore parish, where £1,000 per year was saved while only requiring a payment of £6 per year. The cost of enforcing the compulsory clauses of the Act was estimated not to exceed one farthing in the pound on the rates, and he was confident that the County Council would support this modest request.

Mr Hurley inquired whether the total sum required would amount to £500. Mr O’Connor, the secretary, clarified that the total amount needed would not exceed £400. Lord Emly asked about the unanimous adoption of the age clause, to which Mr Bradshaw confirmed that it had indeed been unanimously adopted along with the entire report. Mr Hurley mentioned that some exceptions were taken to the age clause. Mr Bradshaw explained that although he was not personally concerned, some teachers felt that the age limit could be extended for inspectors up to 50 or 55. Mr O’Dwyer inquired about pensions for the appointed individuals, to which Mr Bradshaw replied that pensions were not necessary, as the appointed personnel could be dismissed with short notice. Mr Roche stated that there was nothing in the Act specifying pensions for inspectors.

Upon the proposition of Mr Dwyer, seconded by Mr Duggan, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

“That, in light of the County Council’s adoption and sanctioning of the principle of compulsory attendance at schools, and with a committee appointed to draft a scheme and regulations in connection with this matter, which has favorably reported, it is now resolved that the scheme formulated by the committee be officially sanctioned by this Council.

Our Secretary is instructed to take the necessary steps to bring the provisions of the Compulsory Education ActOn Saturday, two tenants residing on the Mahony Estate in Mount Collins, County Limerick, by the names of John Lyons and Thomas Brosnan, were served with a writ demanding payment of overdue rent. Furthermore, a judgment has been registered against them, resulting in the anticipation of their lands being cleared prior to an imminent visit from the Sheriff’s officers. The Ordnance Survey Department has already completed the mapping of this estate, as part of the preparations for the tenants’ eventual purchase under Section 96 of the Act.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 02 December 1902