At Cruise’s Hotel on Saturday morning, a gathering of County Limerick racehorse owners convened to discuss the transportation of horses to and from race meetings. Mr D. Hedderman of Ballyneale chaired the meeting, which was attended by prominent individuals including Captain Stacpoole, Messrs. M. Purcell, H.B. Hant, W.P. Power, J.F. Barry, M.J. Hurty, B. Kirby, E.C. Winter, J. McCarthy, D. Keandy, P. Hedderman, J.P. Hartigan, J. Ryan, F.F. Hartigan, T.E. Bennett, A.J. McNamara, Dr Ryan, and J.R. Hartigan, who acted as the secretary.
A letter from Mr J.O’G. Delm expressing regret for his absence due to a prior engagement was read during the meeting. Mr Delm regarded the gathering as crucial for owners and trainers. He criticized the current system of transporting horses to and from race meetings, deeming it flawed, unreasonable, and lacking in professionalism. He suggested that railway companies, which profit considerably from racing, should provide greater attention to the needs of horse owners. Additionally, Mr Delm believed that boys travelling with horses should be granted free tickets, as was customary in the past. He extended his gratitude to Mr Bell of G.S. and W. Railway for his consistent courtesy.
The following proposals were then unanimously adopted, proposed by Dr Winter: (1) Suggesting that the G.S. and W. Railway extend excursion ticket facilities to branch lines and roadside stations similar to those between Cork and Dublin. (2) Advocating for free travel for boys accompanying horses. (3) Requesting improved arrangements for the departure of horses from race meetings. (4) Urging a revision of the rates for horses travelling to race meetings, as the current charges are considered prohibitive, especially considering the stakes at most events.
A delegation comprising Messrs. Harty, McNamara, and P.F. Hartigan was appointed to present the aforementioned proposals to the superintendent of the railway line in Limerick. A resolution was passed expressing gratitude to Mr Bell of G.S. and W. Railway for his consistent courtesy towards owners and trainers.
Mr P.F. Hartigan then introduced a resolution urging race committees that provide free horse specials for their meetings to also offer complimentary transport for Limerick horses on race mornings. Furthermore, he proposed that committees hosting two-day events in the southern region should extend free carriage to Limerick horses. The resolution was seconded by Mr Hurty and adopted, despite Captain Stacpoole and Mr Kirby expressing their disapproval.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 24 May 1904
