The Winter Assizes in Cork brought attention to the prevailing conditions in the counties of Clare and Limerick. During the opening of the Assizes on Saturday, the Lord Chief Justice addressed the attendees and shared his observations.

Discussing the state of Clare, the Lord Chief Justice expressed his disappointment, stating that he could not report the county as being in a satisfactory condition. He mentioned his initial hope to declare the county, with which he has a long-standing association, as satisfactory, but regrettably, the situation did not permit. A notable concern was the presence of eight arson cases on the list before him. Additionally, a grave incident of outrage against General Gore’s residence, a prominent resident in the county, had taken place. The number of individuals under constant police supervision and those under occasional police protection had increased. Furthermore, the count of intimidating notices was higher than before. The Lord Chief Justice emphasized his regret in conveying that, based on authorities’ reports and the criminal statistics provided, the County of Clare was not in a desirable state.

However, the Lord Chief Justice shifted focus to Limerick, describing the overall condition of the county as satisfactory and peaceful. He acknowledged that certain areas, such as Newcastle and Abbeyfeale, had experienced disturbances in the past. Yet, he was pleased to note that these situations had recently subsided, contributing to Limerick’s favorable status as a whole.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 12 December 1905