Today, before Mr Justice Boyd, in the case of the Munster Private Loan and Discount Office v. Liddy, Mr Lynch, instructed by Messrs R. N. Connolly and Co., applied for final judgment in the amount of a promissory note for £35. The plaintiffs are money lenders operating in Limerick, and the defendants are farmers residing near Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.

The plaintiffs presented an affidavit in support of their claim. On behalf of the defendants, an affidavit was filed stating that in January 1903, they responded to an advertisement in a Limerick newspaper offering loans from the plaintiffs on easy terms. They obtained an advance of £35 and signed a promissory note. Every three months, they paid £5.60 on the account and renewed the promissory note. It was alleged that the note was last renewed in October. However, the defendants disputed this, stating that the entire amount was paid off in October 1902.

In July 1905, a further sum of £30 was borrowed, and a promissory note for £35 was issued, which was never renewed. This is the note on which the plaintiffs are now seeking judgment.

Mr C. F. Doyle, instructed by Mr Frost, opposed the motion, arguing that there were factual disputes in the case that could not be resolved through a motion for final judgment. He further contended that due to the high-interest rate charged, over 65%, the case fell within the provisions of recent legislation, which aims to address harsh and unconscionable transactions.

Mr Justice Boyd, in delivering judgment for the plaintiffs, stated that he did not find the defendants’ arguments convincing and expressed scepticism about their claims. He emphasized the importance of honouring contractual obligations and stated that the defendants did not provide any specific evidence to support their allegations.

Dublin Evening Telegraph – Wednesday 23 March 1904