A meeting of the Limerick Evicted Tenants Association took place on Saturday afternoon at the Town Hall, with Mr W.H. Ivers, Chairman, presiding. Among the attendees were Patrick Bourke, B.C.; M. Moloney, senior; John H. Danagher from Athea; Martin Hogan from Rathkeale; Patrick Creedon from Monagea; Mrs. Carroll from Cappamore; Michael McNamara; Miss Bourke from Monegay; Martin Feotoo from Ballygean; Mrs. Campbell; Michael Leaby from Boher; William O’Connor; John Harty from Pallas; John McNamara, D.C.; Michael McMahon; Michael Power from Herbertstown; James Scanlan; Patrick Nupan; Wm O’Connor; J. I. Harris; Patrick E. Harty; and Mr John Molony from Knocklong, the honourary secretary.
Mr John Molony, in his capacity as secretary, informed the attendees that he had received numerous letters from evicted tenants in Clare, suggesting the formation of an evicted tenants’ association specific to their county. The idea of establishing a joint association with Clare or forming separate associations for each county was discussed. Mr Molony proposed that each county should form its own association, eventually leading to the creation of a single evicted tenants’ association for Munster. He also suggested holding a convention in the near future. Mallow was proposed as a possible center for Cork, Waterford, and Limerick, with other counties in Ireland forming similar associations afterwards.
Mr James Scanlan suggested that Limerick would be more central than Killaloe for the proposed association.
The meeting continued with Mr Molony presenting resolutions to address the issue at hand. The first resolution emphasized the importance of the Estates Commissioners purchasing farms directly from landlords to ensure fair treatment of evicted tenants, especially regarding prices. The resolution also highlighted the urgency of implementing the bonus amendment without further delay. The second resolution called on evicted tenants from Clare, Kerry, Tipperary, and Waterford to establish their own associations for Munster. The third resolution proposed sending a deputation to Cork to meet William O’Brien, a prominent nationalist, during his visit, expressing support for his endeavours. Lastly, the fourth resolution criticized the mere passing of resolutions without executing them, stating that it provided no practical assistance to evicted tenants.
Mr Molony expressed his hope that mere sympathy would cease and called for concrete action. He shared his attempts to seek help from the Secretary of the Central Council in Dublin but received no response. He criticized the Council’s lack of comfort or relief for the evicted tenants. Mr Molony stressed the importance of addressing the eviction issue in Dublin and warned against underestimating the determination of the evicted tenants. He mentioned prominent figures who were currently engaged in other activities and urged not to forget the plight of the evicted tenants. He emphasized the need for prudence and patience to rectify the situation.
The resolutions were seconded and unanimously adopted by the attendees.
Mr Harris objected to blaming the Estates Commissioners, stating that they did not deserve it. He argued that the responsibility of reinstating evicted tenants lay with the landlords who sold the properties and the tenants who purchased them. He suggested bringing the cases before the public and Parliament, as some queries from evicted tenants went unanswered by the landlords.
Following the discussions, an Advisory Committee was appointed, including Messrs. Patrick Bourke, J.C.; John McNamara, J.C.; James Lyons from Mount Eagle, Bruree; J.J. Quain from Springfort, Patrickswell; and J.P. Harris, honourary secretary of the United Irish League in Knocklong. Mr Bourke proposed that they review the dozen cases before them and select six for arbitration as a way to test the effectiveness of the Act.
Lastly, a deputation was appointed to represent the Limerick Evicted Tenants at a demonstration in Cork to welcome Mr O’Brien on Sunday, the 16th of the month.
The meeting adjourned, marking a step forward in the efforts to address the challenges faced by evicted tenants in Limerick and the surrounding areas.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 11 October 1904
