Athea, Limerick – The District Committee of the Irish Land and Labour Association convened an important meeting at the League Rooms in Athea on Sunday. Attended by delegates representing various branches within the division, the gathering proved to be a dedicated and enthusiastic platform for addressing significant resolutions and practical matters pertaining to the best interests of the labouring class. Mr J. O’Mahony, D.C., presided over the meeting, with the following delegates present:

Athea: J. O’Mahony, D.C.; T. O’Connor, V.C.; T. Fitzgerald, honourary secretary; J. Wright, M. Woulfe, R. Denihan, J. O’Mara.
Tournafulla: J. Wren, D. O’Gorman, M. Doody.
Knockanure: D. Keane, J. Lynch, J. Hourigan, M. Lynch, M. Barry, T. Aberne.
Mount Collins: J. Finnegan, T. Curtin, T. Pevane, T. Counihan.
Templaglantine: W. Buckley, D. O’Brien, P. Sheahan, J. Murphy.
Newcastle West: M. Shea, M. O’Connor, N. O’Connor, M. White.
Ashford: P. Hanlon, M. Hanlon, P. Moloney, J. Murphy.
Monagay: A. McCarthy, J. McCarthy, J. Mann.
Abbeyfeale: J. Murphy, M. Sweeney.

Mr William Buckley of Templeglantine, the District Committee’s honourary secretary, proposed several resolutions, which were seconded by the Chairman and unanimously adopted. The resolutions included:

1. Calling upon farmers and shopkeepers in Athea not to interfere with the untenanted lands on the Goold Estate, as the labourers have received a reliable promise that these lands will be sold to the Estates Commissioners for distribution among the labouring class.
2. Urging parliamentary representatives to advocate for the labourers’ rights in the upcoming session of Parliament, particularly in securing five acres of land for each labourer, including the necessary provisions for cattle grazing, gardening, and suitable housing.
3. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing employment opportunities within the Land and Labour Association for those most in need, particularly in direct labour, with the condition that individuals must be members of the association. Surface men were encouraged to adhere to this principle, and a copy of the resolution would be sent to James Leahy, Esq., C.E.
4. Requesting farmers who possess quarries or strands on their lands to generously contribute these resources to support the labourers’ work on roads during the winter months, ensuring the full benefit of the scheme is extended to those it was intended to help.
5. Urging the Newcastle West District Council to expedite the construction of cottages, fencing of plots, and immediate allocation to intended occupants, allowing them to utilize the properties in the upcoming spring. Additionally, competent tradesmen who are members of the Land and Labour Association should be entrusted with the construction work.
6. Appealing to Mr Hunt of Dromadda to refrain from taking legal action against Nicholas Dore, allowing him to continue working as before, as the eviction period has long passed, and such actions would only disrupt the peace of the country.

Mr T. Counihan, V.C., Mount Collins, voiced support for the resolutions, emphasizing the need for a strong and active organization to extract concessions from the English Government in the interest of labour. He stressed the importance of earnestly and confidently presenting their claims, demonstrating the strength of their organization to Mr Wyndham. The labourers sought decent homes, and they aimed to impress upon Mr Wyndham that they would no longer be swayed by empty rhetoric, displaying the power of their united force. Their demands included suitable housing and plots of land to protect their children from the detrimental influence of foreign lands and dilapidated, unsanitary cabins. Mr Counihan called upon County and District Council members to fulfil their duty in improving labour conditions, emphasizing that through their collective efforts, they could make their country happier and more prosperous.

The meeting concluded with a sense of determination, as the attendees recognized the significance of their organization in securing a better future for the labouring class.

Kerry News – Wednesday 23 November 1904