At the recent Newcastle West Petty Sessions, two men named George Adams and Michael Clery were charged with illegally swindling Jeremiah O’Dwyer of Limerick out of £2 6s using the notorious “three-card trick” at the Newcastle West races on September 12th. Mr P. Bierne prosecuted, while Mr John Condon defended.

Jeremiah O’Dwyer testified that he saw the two defendants at the racecourse, and Adams invited him to play the three-card trick. O’Dwyer placed several bets but lost all of them. Adams promised to return his money, but he did not receive anything back. O’Dwyer eventually demanded his money, but the defendants refused to return it. A constable was informed, and the two men were subsequently arrested.

During cross-examination, O’Dwyer admitted to willingly participating in the game, hoping either to win back his losses or receive his money back from Adams. He acknowledged knowing the rules of the three-card trick and the specific card he needed to find to win.

Sergeant Nealon testified that both defendants admitted to playing the three-card trick together, with Clery getting half of what Adams won. Upon searching them, money and cards were found on Adams, while Clery possessed railway tickets.

Mr Condon argued that O’Dwyer willingly participated in the game, and it was not competent for him to seek protection from the law after willingly entering into an illegal contract.

In response, Mr Bierne stated that the defendants were returning for trial at the next Quarter Sessions, with bail accepted.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 26 September 1905