A meeting was held at Bruff Courthouse between a significant number of agricultural and urban tenants from the Earl of Limerick’s estate and Mr Barrington, the agent, accompanied by Very Rev Father McNamara and Mr Michael O’Riordan as spokesmen. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the terms of purchase for the properties.

Mr Barrington expressed his belief that selling the town would present challenges and suggested focusing on reaching an agreement regarding the agricultural portion of the estate first. Speaking on behalf of the trustees, he proposed a fair price for the land: 21.5 years’ purchase on first term rents and 24.5 years’ purchase on second term rents.

However, Mr Michael O’Riordan and Father McNamara asserted that the tenants could not consider such a high price for the land. They urged Mr Barrington to reconsider and put forward more reasonable terms.

After retiring to allow the tenants to discuss the terms, Mr Barrington returned, and the tenants presented their offer: 18 years’ purchase on first term rents, 20 years’ purchase on second term rents, and 18 years’ purchase on the net rent for non-judicial tenants.

Mr Barrington responded that the offer was unacceptable to the trustees and could not be seriously considered. He noted that he would forward the offer to the trustees but expressed doubt about its acceptance.

Despite both parties being firm in their positions, no agreement was reached during the meeting, and the situation remains unresolved.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 07 March 1905