Galbally – The East Limerick Executive of the United Irish League gathered for their usual monthly meeting at Galbally with an impressive turnout of over 60 delegates. Among the attendees was Mr William Lundon, the Parliamentary representative of the division. The Very Reverend Canon Ryan, P.P., assumed the chair, nominated by Mr Wm Lundon, the Executive’s chairman.
Representatives from various districts were present, including Messrs. S. Harris, T. Wallace, W. O’Brien, and P. McNamara from Uregare. From Kilteely, Messrs. Wm Lundon and D. Lundon were in attendance. Mr M. J. Harty represented Pallasgreen, while Cabherline sent Messrs. J. Ryan, J. Lloyd, and — Ryan. Glenroe was represented by Messrs. T. Hennessy, J. Hennessy, and J. D. Quane. Galbally had the Very Reverend Canon Ryan Sr. and J. Scanlan Jr., while Bunogwe sent Mr C. Hartigan. Other delegates included Messrs. E. O’Brien and T. Barry from Knocklong, Mr R. Power from Herbertstown, and T.J. Hennessy from Ballylanders.
The Very Reverend Chairman greeted with applause, began his address by expressing his intention to refrain from discussing certain contentious topics currently gripping the nation, as he believed it would be more prudent to heed the old adage that “speech was silver, but the silence was gold.” Despite his strong convictions on various matters, he deemed it unwise to exacerbate existing differences or employ language that could be misconstrued as factionalism.
He congratulated the organizers of the recent demonstration in Limerick for their commitment to unity and their resolute stance against division and dissension, which he believed were detrimental to the nation’s interests. Furthermore, he commended Mr William O’Brien, MP, for his wisdom and patriotism in rejoining the Irish Party.
The Chairman dismissed the notion that a select few in the South possessed the authority to determine a policy for all of Ireland, deeming it a ludicrous notion that required no further discussion. He stressed the importance of unity, discipline, and obedience to the National Convention, the National Directory, and the National Organization, emphasizing their indispensable nature to the nation’s well-being.
While he personally did not have faith in a conciliatory policy, the Chairman acknowledged the value of the Reform Association’s proposals and other sympathetic parties’ efforts in highlighting England’s mistreatment of Ireland. However, he contended that true progress would be achieved through a united and vigorous Irish Party, supported morally and materially by a confederated priesthood and people, rather than through a submissive approach.
Several resolutions were proposed and adopted during the meeting, expressing approval and endorsement of the resolutions passed at the recent Limerick demonstration. The delegates also extended their gratitude to Mr J.K. Redmond, MP, Mr William O’Brien, and other speakers for their eloquent speeches at the demonstration. Special thanks were conveyed to the National Press, particularly the Freeman’s Journal, for their coverage and support.
The meeting concluded with discussions on affiliating lapsed League branches, expressing solidarity with the Fedamore Branch’s efforts to secure the Carnane Estate for distribution among small farmers and labourers, and the announcement of future demonstrations. The delegates adjourned, looking forward to the joint meeting with the West Limerick and City Executives and the ongoing pursuit of their shared goals.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 22 November 1904
