At the monthly meeting of the Limerick No 1 District Council, the Reverend Father Hanly, the devoted Pastor of Caherconlish, addressed the council on the subject of the proposed sale of the Caherconlish estate. The chairman, Mr C. McNamara, presided over the meeting, with a considerable number of members in attendance.
Father Hanly expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to address the council and discuss the concerns of the labourers in Caherconlish regarding the proposed sale of the demesne. He urged that the labourers, who had previously worked on the estate, should be granted a share of it should it be put on the market. The clergyman emphasized the importance of keeping the labourers in the country for the betterment of landlords and farmers alike.
He informed the council about the ongoing negotiations and the fair offer of £30 per statute acre made by Mr Lefroy, whom he commended for his previous kindness and courtesy towards them. Father Hanly hoped for an amicable resolution and warned that the labourers were determined to have their claims met, and failure to do so could lead to disturbances in the locality.
Acknowledging the Council’s interest and knowledge of the labour question, Father Hanly thanked them for listening attentively to his words.
Following Father Hanly’s address, Mr Ryan, a solicitor, shared a letter he had sent to Mr Hunt, but no reply had been received at that point. Mr O’Malley, the engineer, informed the council that Mr Hunt would not accept less than £35 per statute acre for the property.
After further discussion, it was resolved, seconded, and unanimously passed that the council accepts Mr Hunt’s offer of £35 per statute acre for the Caherconlish estate. The solicitor was tasked with taking the necessary steps to finalize the arrangement.
The determination of the labourers and the council’s actions reflect a unified effort to secure a fair outcome in the interest of all parties involved in the proposed sale of the Caherconlish estate.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 07 February 1905
