Limerick, Ireland – In a recent court session, four young men – Robert Griffin, Denis Daly, Jas Daly, and Michael Granville – residents of Convent Street, found themselves facing prosecution by the Limerick Board of Fishery Conservator. The case was brought to court at the suit of Mr P. H. Poe Hosford, Secretary to the Board. The charges against the defendants stemmed from an incident that took place on Saturday, the 28th of May, at Islandgannive, where they were accused of unlawfully damming and tampering with Mr Latchford’s mill race with the intention of catching fish.

Representing the prosecution, Mr John Condon, solicitor, presented the case, invoking Section 78 of the Fisheries (Ireland) Acts, 5 and 6 Vic., Cap. 10. The relevant section stated that any person who, between sunset and sunrise, dammed, or tampered with a river or mill race for the purpose of catching or destroying salmon or trout or their fry, would be liable to forfeit all such instruments used and face a fine of up to £10.

Mr Condon clarified the geographical context of the incident to the magistrates, emphasizing the layout of the river Feale. Below the town, Mr Latchford owned a mill, and a mill race had been constructed leading from the town to the river. On Saturday nights, all mills were required to shut down at twelve o’clock, and the mill races were turned off. On the night in question, the witnesses for the prosecution, living downstream, noticed an unusual flow of water in the mill race, which should have been shut down. Upon investigation, they spotted the four defendants constructing a small pool at the head race.

To explain the significance of this action, Mr Condon elabourated that the race should have been closed at around midnight, and water would have been let out through the waste gates. However, the defendants had intervened, causing an irregular flow of water, potentially for the purpose of catching fish during prohibited hours.

The defence, represented by Mr John Moran, solicitor, responded to the charges and presented their arguments. The case now rests with the magistrates, who will decide on the appropriate course of action based on the evidence and testimonies presented during the court proceedings. The outcome of the case could have implications for adherence to fishery regulations and the conservation of local aquatic life in the area.

Kerry News – Wednesday 05 July 1905