During the Abbeyfeale Petty Sessions, held before Hon. John French, R.M., and W.L. Creagh Harnett, John Collins of Mountcollins, a labourer, was charged by the Limerick Board of Fishery Conservators with illegal fishing using a rod and line on the River Feale on January 30th. Mr Byrne, the Solicitor of Listowel, represented the Conservators. Constable Donohue provided evidence of the offence and showed the fishing flies to the Bench.

Collins, a known repeat offender, humorously attempted to defend himself, resulting in laughter throughout the courtroom. He admitted to having been found fishing illegally before. Collins, an old soldier, asked for leniency, suggesting that he could raffle his one possession, a four-legged male goat, to pay the potential fine and pledging to never fish again if given enough time.

However, Mr French fined Collins 10 shillings and an additional 275 shillings and 6 pence for costs. Unable to pay the amount, Collins inevitably had to face jail time. He requested that his fishing equipment be taken care of in his absence. Mr French assured him that the police would handle it.

In other court cases, the Mountcollins stabbing cases were further adjourned as the injured parties were unable to attend. Additionally, several trespass cases were heard before the courtroom was adjourned.

Kerry News – Friday 20 February 1903