A meeting of the Abbeyfeale United Irish League, presided over by Reverend Father Casey, convened to discuss various matters of significance to the community. The gathering was attended by several prominent individuals from the area, including Messrs. J. Buckley, T. J. Keane, M. P. Broderick, J. W. Flynn, J. R. Cotter, C. R. Harnett, M. L. Harnett, J. P. Harnett, W. Cotter, J. Murphy, J. J. Harnett, J. Failey, D. M. Harnett, C. Harnett, J. Roche, W. R. Cotter, W. Crimmins, J. Lynch, J. Lynch, C. O’Keeffe, M. Collins, P. Collins, J. Brouder, M. Connor, T. O’Rourke, J. Sheehy, W. O’Connell, D. Curtin, D. O’Keeffe, P. Casey, J. O’Keeffe, D. McCarthy, M. Lyons, and others.

The Chairman, Reverend Father Casey, commenced the meeting by addressing the attendees. He emphasized the importance of supporting the ongoing Munster-Connaught Exhibition currently taking place in Limerick. Father Casey commended the exhibition for being authentically Irish in its entirety, showcasing the nation’s talents and industries from floor to ceiling. He stressed the significance of this event, stating that it offered an opportunity for people to witness the contributions of various regions in rebuilding Ireland’s industrial sector.

Father Casey informed the assembly that the exhibition was scheduled to close on September 1st, urging the community to make the most of this opportunity to gain insights into Irish manufacturing and craftsmanship. To facilitate this, he announced plans to organize an excursion to Limerick for members of the Confraternity on a suitable date. Additionally, arrangements would be made to enable others from the area to visit the exhibition.

Mr Murphy raised the prospect of seeking support for the district through the Congestion Commission, which had recently been established.

In response, Father Casey acknowledged the potential benefits of such initiatives but noted that there were few districts in the country that could be designated as congested areas, with Mountcollins being a notable exception. However, the limited geographical scope of the latter posed a challenge to qualifying as a congested district.

The Chairman also touched upon the current Government’s stance towards Ireland, suggesting that there were positive indications of its friendly intentions. He drew a historical parallel, recounting how Daniel O’Connell had addressed the people of Abbeyfeale during his travels through Kerry. O’Connell, in response to a query about repealing the Union, had humorously remarked in Irish that it wasn’t his first attempt to put on his breeches in the morning. Similarly, the Chairman emphasized that the present Irish Party could not achieve all their goals simultaneously but were working progressively towards them.

Before adjourning, the meeting delved into discussions regarding local matters, reflecting the community’s commitment to addressing their unique challenges and opportunities.

Kerry News – Friday 27 July 1906