In a recent news incident, Judge Adams, a County Court Judge in Limerick, came under criticism for his behaviour at a lecture on “The Educational Value of the Gaelic Revival” delivered by Miss M. Murphy from the Limerick Training College. The event took place at the Catholic Literary Institute in Limerick.

It is reported that Judge Adams was asked to preside over the lecture, possibly due to his position as a County Court Judge. However, his actions and remarks during the event were viewed as inappropriate and insensitive to the subject matter. The judge, known for his humour, seemed to belittle the Irish Language Movement and questioned whether there were any treasonable elements in the Irish spoken during the lecture.

This behaviour sparked outrage among attendees, who found it disrespectful to the ongoing efforts of the Irish Revivalists. Many questioned why Adams, who did not appear to support the Gaelic Revival, was chosen to preside over an intellectual lecture focused on a topic that held great significance for the people of Ireland.

One specific comment made by Adams that drew criticism was his claim that during his eleven-year tenure as County Court Judge of Limerick, there had been no occasion to examine an Irish-speaking witness. Critics argued that this statement did not disprove the presence of Irish speakers in the area but rather suggested that they might have chosen not to present their evidence in Irish due to the judge’s lack of knowledge of the language.

Supporters of the Irish Language Movement countered Adams’ claims, stating that there are thousands of Irish speakers in the western half of the county and a considerable percentage of the population in the southeastern part also has the ability to speak Irish.

The incident has raised discussions about the importance of sensitivity and appropriateness when it comes to presiding over events that hold cultural and educational significance for certain communities. Critics argue that a figure with Adams’ humorous reputation may not have been the most suitable choice to preside over an intellectual lecture on such a significant subject.

The incident has sparked broader conversations about cultural appreciation, language preservation, and the responsibility of public figures to be mindful of their actions and statements in diverse settings.

Dublin Leader – Saturday 11 February 1905