At the Castleconnell Petty Sessions, presided over by Mr M. Hickson, M, chairman, a case was brought forward by Mr E.H. Poe Hosford, Secretary of the Limerick Board of Conservators, against Colonel William Gough Gubbins of Lismalioe. The charge was that the defendant had been fishing with a rod and line for salmon and trout on the Mulcaire River at Barrington’s Bridge without the necessary fishing license as required by the Fisheries (Ireland) Acts. Mr W. Counihan appeared on behalf of the Fishery Board, while the defendant did not have legal representation.

Captain Hall provided evidence, stating that he had seen the defendant fishing on the Mulcaire River on October 31st. The defendant was using a rod and line and had caught some small fish. When asked if he had a license, the defendant admitted that he did not. Additionally, the defendant was found to have six salmon in a fishing basket.

During the proceedings, the defendant claimed that the Conservators had a bias against him due to a previous fishing transaction. He believed that he did not require a license to fish for trout and that the trout he caught were intended as bait for Mr Ballingail. The defendant was fined £2 and ordered to pay £1 in costs. A notice of appeal was given.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 08 November 1904