A meeting of the County Limerick Evicted Tenants’ Association took place on Saturday, with Mr W. H. Ivers as the Chairman. In attendance were representatives from various organizations, including the United Irish League, East Limerick Executive U.I.L., and individuals such as John Harty, William O’Connor, and Patrick Noonan. Mr Tver was re-elected as the president, and Mr Harty as the vice-chairman. Mr John Moloney was also re-elected as the secretary, and Mr S. P. Harris consented to continue as the treasurer, on the condition of unity and collabouration between the United Irish League and the Evicted Tenants Association.
Mr Harris stressed the importance of working together and expressed concern over recent criticisms of the United Irish League. He highlighted the need for harmony and unity, stating that without the support of the League, the evicted tenants would face difficulties. The Chairman emphasized the necessity of unity and urged Mr Moloney to withdraw his remarks. Mr Moloney agreed and underlined his support for the friendly connection between the evicted tenants and the League.
Several resolutions were proposed, including expressing delight over the joint presence of Messrs. Redmond and O’Brien at the upcoming event in Limerick, highlighting the protest against Captain Stuart of Waterford for his unfavourable remarks about evicted tenants, and sending selected cases of evicted tenants to the landlords and Estates Commissioners to test their conciliatory approach and the effectiveness of the Land Act. The resolutions were adopted, and a list of names was submitted to the advisory committee.
During the meeting, Mr Fogarty from Tipperary and Mr Scanlan from Clare sought advice on establishing branches of the association in their respective counties. The meeting pledged to provide assistance.
The Chairman, in his address, expressed gratitude to a champion whom the evicted tenants have always regarded highly. He acknowledged the individual’s efforts, persuasive eloquence, and tireless work that played a significant role in securing their present position under the Land Act of 1903. The Chairman highlighted the challenges faced by evicted tenants during their champion’s retirement and commended his return to public life. The founder of the United Irish League, known for self-sacrifice, proposed methods that would strengthen the League’s power and uphold the verdict of the National Convention.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to unity and the realization that only through working together can the evicted tenants find lasting solutions to their grievances.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 01 November 1904
