A meeting of the Land and Labour Ahane Branch took place on Sunday, with Mr John Madden as the chairman. The gathering included several members such as Mr H. Mahony, Mr P. Earight, Mr J. Ryan, Mr J. McCarthy, Mr W. Sexton, Mr H. Supple, Mr C. McDonagh, Mr J. Moloney, Mr J. O’Dwyer, the treasurer, and others.
A significant resolution was proposed by Mr J. Ryan and seconded by Mr J. Moloney, which was unanimously adopted. The resolution pertained to the ongoing negotiations for the sale of the Molyneux estate lands of Knockseatry to the tenants. The branch expressed concern about an attempt to grab a few acres of cutaway bog and distribute it among the farmers, who already held highly valuable land. This move would deprive the surrounding poor workers of the opportunity to expand their plots. The branch vehemently condemned this act of greed and called on the Land and Labour Association to intervene immediately to prevent such injustice, especially when those involved claim to be supporters of the labour cause. The branch also urged the farmers on the estate, who have sympathy for the poor, not to finalize any settlement until the issue of the untainted bog is resolved and distributed among the poor workers.
The meeting also addressed the cooption of the labour candidate, leading to the proposal of another resolution by Mr M. Hagony, seconded by Mr P. Earight, and unanimously adopted. The resolution called upon their District Councillor, Mr P. Hassety, to vote for Mr Wren, the nominee of the IL&L A (Land and Labour Association), in the upcoming election. Furthermore, the branch urged all labour branches in the Limerick No. 1 Rural District to gather in Limerick on Saturday to observe the vote and actions of their representatives, considering there is opposition to Mr Wren’s candidacy.
The next meeting is scheduled for the first Sunday in November, and all members are requested to attend as a small subscription will be required from each member.
Michael Roche, Honorary Secretary.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 03 October 1905
