Limerick – In a special meeting of the Limerick Board of Guardians held on Saturday, chaired by Mr John McEnergy, a contentious notice of motion regarding the acceptance of a seed loan for potatoes was up for consideration. The motion, proposed by Mr Patrick Mulqueen, sparked a heated debate over the chairman’s authority to accept the notice and the possibility of re-opening the matter after a previous meeting.

Amidst the debate, Mr J. Ryan of Knockatane proposed that the seed loan be rejected, and Mr T. Donnellan, B.C., seconded the proposal. Following a lengthy discussion, a poll was conducted, and the voting outcome was as follows:

To accept the loan: Messrs Madden, Lane, Bourke, D. O’Brien, P. Mulqueen, Bourke, J. Moloney, M. Fitzgerald, Haanan, Carroll, O’Brien, Hartigan, J. Ryan, and J. F. McNamara – 4 votes.

Against accepting the loan: Captain O’Brien, J. O’G. Delmege, P.L., J. Ryan, J. Clancy, T. Donnellan, J. Ryan (Knockatane), J.J. O’Regan, Hayes, Costelloe, C. McNamara, Nolan, J. Fitzgerald, C. O’Neill, L. Ryan, M. Fitzgerald, O’Halloran, D. Curry, Neagle, and O’Halloran – 18 votes.

With a significant majority opposing the motion, the chairman, Mr McEnergy, declared the notice of motion lost and firmly stated that no further discussion on the matter would be entertained.

The rejection of the seed loan proposal signifies a significant decision made by the Limerick Board of Guardians, and the issue is now settled, leaving the board to focus on other matters concerning the welfare and betterment of the community.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 17 January 1905