Two Conventions Clash Over Leadership and Policies, Delegates Ejected Amidst Heated Proceedings

In a dramatic turn of events, Limerick found itself at the center of a political storm as two rival conventions convened on Friday, both claiming authority over the Irish Land and Labour Association. The conflicting policies and power struggles within the organization came to a head during these tumultuous gatherings.

One convention was held at the Town Hall, organized by Mr K. E. O’Brien and J. J. O’Shee, Members of Parliament. Simultaneously, a second convention took place at the Labourers’ Hall, led by Mr D. D. Sheehan, another Member of Parliament, and supported by Mr C. Buckley, a District Councillor from Cork, among others. Both gatherings drew substantial crowds, and tensions were palpable.

Rumors of a potential conflict between the two factions prompted the deployment of a Constabulary force, under the command of Head Constable Walsh, stationed outside the Town Hall to prevent any breach of the peace.

Before the proceedings at the Labourers’ Hall convention commenced, delegates, along with Mr Sheehan, held a private conference to discuss a proposal. Mr Martin O’Dwyer, a County Councillor from Mid-Tipperary, put forward a motion suggesting the formation of a deputation, consisting of Chairman Mr Sheehan, along with Messrs. O’Dwyer and Moloney, to negotiate with Mr O’Brien and his associates. The goal was to explore the possibility of a joint convention where the majority would decide on all disputed issues. However, Mr O’Brien declined this proposal, and the two conventions proceeded separately.

Inside the Labourers’ Hall, Mr D. D. Sheehan, Member of Parliament, took the chair and addressed the delegates. He asserted that their convention represented the overwhelming majority of the Irish Land and Labour Association. Amidst murmurs of discontent, he suggested that if they marched to the Town Hall, they could potentially disband the convention there entirely.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Martin Dwyer, County Councillor, proposed that they continue with their convention regardless of the proceedings at the Town Hall, which he deemed as illegitimate. Similar sentiments echoed through the audience, with Mr Young from Scariff expressing his support for Mr O’Brien’s policy.

Mr Sheehan vehemently criticized those whom he believed were attempting to disrupt the organization, accusing them of engaging in factionalism and exploiting the labourers for their own interests. He warned that those responsible for undermining the association’s unity might have to answer for their actions in a court of law. He emphasized that a legal process would ultimately determine which faction was the legitimate representative of the association.

Mr Sheehan expressed regret over Mr Linnane, from Ennis, being drawn into the rival convention. He hoped that Mr Linnane’s involvement was due to ignorance of the potential consequences. However, he commended Mr Gillespie, a member of the Central Council from Clarecastle, for his independent stance in supporting their convention.

Mr Sheehan questioned whether they would allow their hard-fought and long-established organization to be torn apart by the whims of individuals or groups. He highlighted the ongoing conflict’s origins, tracing it back to Kilrush. He reminded attendees of the series of efforts to suppress and suspend branches, culminating in an attempt to suspend around twenty branches in Mid-Cork just before his own election. This move was aimed at hindering his chances of winning.

He then detailed the subsequent events, including Mr O’Shee’s motion to rescind the suppressing motion after the general election, explaining that the need for suppression had seemingly passed. However, the apparent flip-flopping within the leadership left many members baffled. Mr Sheehan’s leadership was ultimately affirmed when he emerged at the top of the poll during a delayed Central Council election.

In light of these events, Mr Sheehan questioned the motives behind summoning rival conventions. He suggested that it was an attempt by Mr O’Shee and Mr Ryan to undermine their own previous actions. Mr O’Shee had initially been prepared to relinquish control of the association’s funds, but he sought a regular audit before doing so. The question remained: why was an audit such a contentious issue, and what did it reveal about the underlying power struggles within the Irish Land and Labour Association?

The conflicting conventions in Limerick mark a significant turning point in the ongoing internal strife within the association, raising questions about its future direction and leadership. As delegates departed from the dueling gatherings, uncertainty loomed over whether a resolution could be reached or if the organization would remain divided.

The coming days are likely to be filled with intense discussions and negotiations as both factions attempt to assert their authority and vision for the Irish Land and Labour Association. The members and supporters of the association eagerly await further developments in this ongoing saga, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to continue their mission of advocating for the rights and interests of labourers and farmers in Ireland.

Kerry News – Monday 02 July 1906