In a recent session at Tipperary Petty Sessions, Thomas Ryan, an army reserve man hailing from Limerick, pleaded guilty to the theft of an unissued military trousers and a pair of boots that belonged to the War Department. According to the evidence presented, the defendant had reported for firing practice at the Tipperary Barracks and was given accommodation in a store room. During his stay, he took the aforementioned articles, which were valued at 18 pounds.

In his defence, Ryan claimed that his intention was to borrow the items temporarily until he went out to the shooting range. However, the court did not find this explanation satisfactory, and he was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment for the larceny.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 01 August 1905