An intriguing legal case unfolded at the Quarter Sessions, presided over by Judge Adams, involving Martin Carroll, a farmer and road contractor from Cratloe, County Clare. Carroll was pursuing damages from Mr Ellis Goodbody, the managing director of Messrs Bannatyne and Sons in Limerick, for injuries he claimed to have sustained in a motor car accident on July 20th, 1905. Carroll contended that Goodbody’s motor car had frightened his horse, causing the animal to rear up and throw him off, resulting in a broken thigh.

Mr P. Kelly represented the plaintiff, while Mr Phelps appeared for the defendant. Carroll testified that Goodbody’s motor car had approached without sounding its horn and frightened his horse. As a result, he was thrown from the horse and suffered a broken thigh, which led to an eight-week hospital stay. Carroll accused Goodbody’s motor car of coming directly in front of him.

However, Mr Goodbody’s defence presented a different perspective. He claimed that he had always blown the horn in such situations as a standard practice and asserted that he was driving safely within the speed limit. Goodbody stated that he had taken the turn properly and was on the correct side of the road. When he saw Carroll on the ground, he was already a considerable distance away. He further testified that Carroll had assured him that he did not hold him responsible for the accident.

Witnesses testified to hearing the horn being blown before the motor car appeared. Counsel for both sides cited the Motor Act and debated whether Goodbody’s actions constituted negligence. The judge, expressing the significance of the case, reserved judgment for a later date, also considering whether Carroll’s conduct of standing up in the car contributed to his injuries. The trial ended with anticipation for the court’s decision on this intricate matter.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 09 January 1906