In the Doonass Petty Sessions presided over by Colonel Vincent, Mr Kelly, R.M., and Mr Ambrose Hall, a fishery prosecution took place. James McMahon was prosecuted by the Limerick Fishery Board for fishing for salmon and trout with a rod and line on February 9th without a license, and James Ryan was summoned for aiding and abetting. Mr Counihan acted as the prosecutor, and Mr Philip O’Sullivan represented the defence.

Mr O’Sullivan raised a preliminary objection to the summons against McMahon, arguing that there was no proof of service. Although the bench acknowledged this, Mr O’Sullivan waived the point, and the case proceeded to be examined on its merits.

The evidence presented by the prosecution suggested that McMahon was in charge of three rods in a boat, while Ryan was paddling. Both individuals had a rod license, and they also possessed a license for the third rod, which belonged to James Campbell. Mr O’Sullivan claimed that it had been a customary practice for two men to use three rods when there was a license for each rod.

However, Mr Counihan read a notice from the Department of Agriculture warning anglers that such a practice was illegal. Mr O’Sullivan stated that his clients were unaware of this notice and cited a similar case in Athlone that was dismissed.

Mr Hall Sr. suggested that no fine should be imposed, and he asked Mr Counihan to withdraw the summons. Colonel Vincent agreed that he was not eager to impose a fine. Nevertheless, Mr Counihan refused to withdraw the summons.

In the end, each defendant was fined £2. Mr Kelly, R.M., remarked humorously that they might fare well on a memorial. Additionally, four fishermen were fined £4 each for using drag nets in the Shannon on February 1st.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 07 March 1905