St. Patrick’s Day brought a much-needed respite last week, with another day off at the beginning of this week. The timing of the holiday falling on a Saturday was convenient for those who enjoyed a paid break, but not so for the labourers who had a forced day off without pay. Irish Ireland appears to be maturing, as seen in the promising display during the Limerick procession, accompanied by Irish music. However, the so-called “Industrial display” might have left some with lighthearted sentiments.

The symbolic imagery of two donkeys pulling hoardings, followed by a man ringing a bell, raised questions about its intended meaning. Perhaps it subtly pointed at those who lagged behind in the Irish Ireland movement. Public entertainment venues were mostly closed, leading to a thirsty search for a drink—a situation reminiscent of the Ancient Mariner’s dilemma.

In some places, matinee performances were offered, while in others, pub owners threw open their shutters to accommodate patrons. The shamrock, Ireland’s emblem, did get wet, but the drowning process was certainly less than extravagant.

The doctors of the Limerick Union remain in the lead by four votes based on the recent poll regarding salary matters. The motion to rescind the salary increase was defeated 37 votes to 33. A second motion to rescind the grant of the increase is yet to be debated, prolonging the ratepayer’s distress over the burden of these raises, even after part of the sum was stopped from being covered by the Treasury under the Local Government Act.

St. John’s Hospital received gratitude for a monetary contribution from the City Grand Jury. Kilmallock Petty Sessions saw an ad interim transfer of a license approved for Mrs. O’Brien of Lower Effin, demonstrating the legal matters at play in the background.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 20 March 1906