A special meeting of the West Limerick Branch was held at the Courtenay Arms Hotel in Newcastle-West on Saturday evening. Several managers attended the meeting, including J. Moore (Clarina), T. Dennehy (Rowels), I. Sheehan (Ardagh), E. Looby (Garryduff), J. Mangan (Glenmore), M. O’Mahony (Devon Road), L. McDonnell (Kantoher), R. Ryan (Meelin), J. T. O’Donoghue (Rockchapel), I. McDonnell (Feohanagh), J. White (Kilmeedy), M. O’Shaughnessy (Ballyhahill), I. Lane (Kilmorna), W. King (Newcastle-West), and T. J. O’Connor (Hon. Sec., Foale Bridge), among others. Letters of apology were received from D. Hegarty (General Secretary, Boherbue), S. Lombard (Liscarroll), J.P. O’Leary (Tarmon), R. Chawke (Granagh), and J.R. Walshe (Newtownsandes).
Mr O’Mahony presided over the meeting and emphasized the importance of a strong organization like the Irish Creamery Managers Association to address grievances and difficulties faced by creamery managers. He also highlighted the need to establish a Reserve or Benevolent Fund. Mr T.J. O’Connor, the Secretary, provided information on the Association’s work and its recent developments. He discussed the successful election of officers and competent representatives in the Central Council. Mr Hegarty, a Creamery Manager with extensive experience, was commended for his contributions.
The meeting addressed various important matters, including Mr Lombard’s legal case against the Milltown Creamery Co. The members expressed indignation at the Co.’s refusal to allow an impartial inquiry into the dispute. They extended their moral and financial support to Mr Lombard. Concerns were also raised about the Department of Agriculture’s exclusion of non-registered managers from inspecting and judging exhibits in Surprise Butter Competitions. A resolution was passed, urging the Department to allow all managers who have entered their creameries for registration and participated in this season’s competitions to be involved in future competitions.
The meeting concluded with the enrollment of new members and the adjournment of the remaining business to the next meeting, which will be held at an early date. The members also decided to invite the Department’s Creamery Expert to deliver a lecture on Creamery Management, Refrigeration, Butter Manufacture, and Packing at the next gathering.
Kerry News – Friday 09 September 1904
