In a recent incident at the Limerick Male Prison, Thomas McMahon and John Hannan faced serious charges after being arrested for being drunk on St. Patrick’s Day. McMahon, with six previous drunk-related offences, was sent to jail for a month for his latest offence, unable to pay the imposed fine of 405. Hannan, facing his first offence of drunkenness within the twelve months, received a fine of 5 pounds. However, the charges did not end there. Both prisoners were additionally charged with assaulting Warder Thomas E. Ballam, who was on duty in the vicinity of the jail on Sunday evening. According to Ballam’s account, the two men, who had been in his division in the prison, approached him while he was performing his duties. McMahon mentioned his dissatisfaction with treatment received in prison and then grabbed a stick, while Hannan delivered a violent blow to Ballam’s left side of the head. Ballam swiftly defended himself with his own stick, causing the assailants to retreat. Following the incident, Ballam promptly reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of both men. The case has been remanded to Petty Sessions, awaiting further legal proceedings.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 21 March 1905