During the meeting of the Limerick No. 2 (Clare) Rural District Council, held under the chairmanship of Captain O’Brien, a resolution concerning the legal case brought by Rev. Father Mclnerney against the Irish Times was proposed. Mr Bartholomew Skeahan addressed the council, highlighting that the lawsuit stemmed from a letter published in the Irish Times, which had defamed Canon McInerney’s character regarding his performance of his duties. The letter claimed to be written by a Bridgetown Catholic farmer. Mr Skeahan expressed his belief that the letter was not authored by a Bridgetown farmer or any other farmer in Clare, comparing its authenticity to a work by Julius Caesar.

Mr Skeahan proposed a resolution to congratulate Father Mclnerney on the vindication of his priestly character and the character of Irish priests in his triumph over the Irish Times. The resolution was seconded by Mr Mathew Bourke. The chairman, Captain O’Brien, acknowledged that the resolution had a contentious nature but did not oppose its passage. Mr Arthur Stritch emphasized that it was their duty and business as members of the No. 2 Council to express their opinion and nothing more.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by the council.

Image: Politicians – Vanity Fair – ‘the Mayor from Clare’. Major Eustace-Jameson. October 27, 1904 

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 12 April 1904