A spate of fowl thefts in and around Newpallas has finally met its match, as two arrests were made in connection with the latest incident. The victim this time was Thomas Walsh, a reputable farmer from Bilboa, located approximately five miles from Newpallas. On a night when Mr Walsh and his sons were away attending the Croom Races, a group of cunning fowl thieves took advantage of their absence and made off with eighteen young ducks from his property. The stolen ducks were sorely missed the next morning upon their return.

The breakthrough in the case came when Acting Sergeant McGilligan of the Newpallas police spotted a peculiar box at the Newpallas railway station, which he recognized as the type used for transporting fowl. Upon inquiry, he learned that the box contained rabbits, consigned under the name of Stephen Crawley, a rabbit trapper from Caprumore. Acting on his instincts, the vigilant sergeant investigated further and discovered, hidden beneath the rabbits, the missing eighteen ducks, presumably the same ones taken from Mr Walsh’s premises.

Without hesitation, Acting Sergeant McGilligan swiftly arrested Stephen Crawley, and later his brother John Crawley, who was apprehended in Limerick. Both suspects were taken into custody and brought before Mr R J O’Kennedy, a local justice of the peace, at Newpallas on Monday. They have been remanded as the investigation continues.

The fowl-stealing spree has been a growing concern in the area, prompting strong denunciation from Reverend Father O’Dwyer of Pallasgreen and Reverend Father Shelly of Cappamore. The community, law enforcement, and local clergy are united in their determination to put an end to this pernicious practice that has plagued their parishes.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 28 March 1905