A special Constabulary Court of Inquiry convened at Newcastle West Police Barrack to investigate serious charges brought against Sergeant Hugh Foy of Ardagh, Co. Limerick. The charges leveled against the sergeant included allegations of neglect of duty, failure to report outrages, and improper absence from his post.

The prosecution, led by Mr P. Beirne, D.I., presented the following charges as the subject of the inquiry:

1. Neglect of duty in failing to report an outrage at Mountpluer, where 45 cut coping stones were thrown down from the entrance gate to James Cussen’s residence on the night of May 18th or the morning of May 19th, 1905.
2. Willfully concealing the commission of said outrage, as he was in close proximity to the scene and failed to inform his officer about it, despite being aware of the facts.
3. Neglect of duty in not reporting several outrages in the vicinity to the sergeant at Glenduff Station, preventing prompt action to trace the offender, who was later found to have committed serious outrages in the Glenduff sub-district.
4. Failure to act energetically during the night of May 18th or the morning of May 19th, 1905, in response to several outrages in his sub-district, leading to a lack of information about the offender.
5. Leaving the disturbed sub-district of Broadford on May 24th, 1905, without proper leave from his officer, and being absent from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when his presence was required due to recent outrages in the area.
6. Incorrectly informing the barrack orderly about his whereabouts on May 24th, 1905, during his eight-hour absence from Broadford station.

County-Inspector Hayes testified during the inquiry, stating that Sergeant Foy justified not reporting the outrage at Mountpluer by suggesting that it was not significant enough to require a report, as the owner of the property, James Cussen, treated it as a practical joke. However, the inspector’s own investigations indicated the seriousness of the matter, warranting proper reporting.

James Cussen, the owner of the property, confirmed that he did not report the incident to the police, considering it a minor prank that could be easily repaired with a bag of cement.

Mr Cruise, D.I., supported the allegations by stating that Sergeant Foy claimed to have difficulty obtaining information about the offences, whereas other officers, including Mr Beirne, D.I., had no trouble gathering the necessary information.

Mr Beirne, D.I., also provided evidence, asserting that Sergeant Foy had no right to take unauthorized leave, especially considering the occurrence of the outrages within his jurisdiction.

The inquiry has shed light on allegations of negligence and misconduct within the police force, raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region. As the proceedings continue, the public eagerly awaits the outcome and hopes for accountability and necessary reforms to ensure the safety and security of the community.

Constabulary Gazette (Dublin) – Saturday 24 June 1905