In the case of Patrick Maher versus William Murphy, the Battle of Cappamore, the matter was decided before Master Jourtenay and a jury of six at the court. Both parties involved were farmers residing near Cappamore in County Limerick.

Mr Moriarty, representing Patrick Maher (instructed by Mr William Leahy), presented the case. It was explained that Michael Ryan held 55 acres of land in Farnane-Franklin. The defendant, William Murphy, had been squatting on approximately four or five acres of that land for about twenty years. Over time, he asserted a claim to it and paid no rent. However, Murphy had no legal title to the land. After Michael Ryan’s death in October of the previous year, the farm and its stock passed to his cousin, the plaintiff.

On the day of Ryan’s funeral, Murphy and his family drove off the cattle and took possession of the entire 55 acres. Despite having no legitimate claim to the land, Murphy may have believed that by using force, he could take the larger portion since he had occupied a small portion of it previously. In an attempt to prevent Murphy from driving off the cattle, the plaintiff engaged in a confrontation, which became known as the Battle of Cappamore.

Unfortunately, the defendant emerged victorious in that encounter and retained possession of the land until being legally evicted by an order of the High Court in February of the current year. As a result of the unlawful possession of the land, the plaintiff sought compensation for the loss and damages suffered, as well as the costs incurred during the ejectment proceedings.

Since the defendant did not appear in court, the plaintiff provided evidence to support his claim. The jury, after considering the case, awarded Patrick Maher £136 18s 0d in damages. Consequently, judgment was given in favour of the plaintiff for the specified amount.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 21 June 1904