The East Limerick Executive of the United Irish League convened its monthly meeting at Hospital. Present were officers including Messrs. W. Lundon (President), Denis O’Diwyer (Vice-President), John Coleman (Treasurer), and Samuel P. Harris (Secretary). Reverend Father Mockler, President of the Hospital Branch, was also in attendance.
The Very Reverend Canon Scully conveyed his views in a letter, highlighting the unresolved Land and Labor questions, the complex state of the Education issue, the forthcoming General Election, and concerns about divided opinions among prominent politicians. He called for the immediate and earnest attention of Irish Nationalists to pull together in unity to achieve Home Rule.
A resolution was passed urging tenants of the Croker estate not to sign the purchase agreement until Mr Michael Power, an evicted tenant, is reinstated on his farm in Moliane. A deputation was appointed to meet with Mr Barrington to seek a clear understanding regarding Power’s reinstatement. Mr Coleman proposed the idea of a public demonstration at Herbertstown.
Mr Garrett Barry, residing near Herbertstown, presented a writ for one year’s rent, including an arrear, due up to September 20th, from his landlord Mr Tuthill. This was served during ongoing purchase negotiations. Mr Barry objected to the terms as exorbitant, with the landlord demanding 23.5 years purchase on second-term rents. A resolution condemning Mr Tuthill’s actions and advising tenants against purchasing at excessive prices was adopted.
On the suggestion of Mr William Walsh and seconded by Mr Edmund Byrne, a resolution was directed to the National Convention, urging its execution to raise funds for evicted tenants. Grants were also proposed for needy evicted tenants before Christmas from the Defense Fund.
Another set of resolutions was forwarded to the National Convention, calling on the Irish Party to demand amendments to the Land Act of 1903. These amendments would enforce the sale of landlord interests at a court-determined price, if the majority of tenants desired to purchase. Furthermore, these amendments would grant County or District Councils the authority to compulsorily acquire untenanted and waste lands at a court-set price, offering similar financial opportunities as those for tenant purchasers.
The meeting also endorsed the taxation of ground values. It was agreed to hold the next session in Knocklong on the third Wednesday of December.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 21 November 1905
