In a resolute stance taken during their adjourned half-yearly meeting on Saturday, the members of the Limerick County Council rallied behind a resolution introduced by Mr John Coleman and seconded by Mr Edmond Mitchell. The resolution aligns the Council with the National Convention’s decision to reject the Irish Council Bill, expressing an unequivocal commitment to pursuing Home Rule along the lines championed by Gladstone.
The Council’s resolution encompasses a call to unite all sections of Nationalists, setting aside historical misunderstandings, in a collective effort to secure full control over Ireland’s domestic affairs. The members assert a rejection of any attempts to reconstruct the governance of Ireland that fall short of the Home Rule principles espoused by Gladstone.
Crucially, the resolution urges Nationalists to resist manipulation, cautioning against becoming pawns in the hands of what the resolution terms as “tricksters, knaves, and fools.” The language employed underscores a determination not to be misled or swayed by forces perceived as detrimental to the cause.
The resolution further invokes a historical perspective, calling for a continuation of the struggle along the well-trodden paths of the past. It invokes the spirit of the old days, evoking the resilience of forefathers, such as Owen Roe O’Neill, who navigated through dark and challenging periods without faltering.
An interesting connection to Limerick surfaces in the resolution’s dismissal of what it terms “halfway house business.” This phrase, laden with historical significance, alludes to a perceived curse and ruin of the Nationalist cause dating back to the days of Owen Roe O’Neill. The mention of Limerick in this context suggests a local resonance, perhaps rooted in historical events or sentiments peculiar to the region.
The resolution concludes with a poignant appeal for solidarity, drawing upon support from Irish brethren overseas who are pledged to stand by the cause as long as the Council adheres to the established path. The language emphasizes self-reliance and a resolute determination to continue the fight in alignment with the traditions that have sustained the cause through challenging times.
This resolution, emerging from the heart of Limerick, reflects a steadfast commitment to historical principles and a call for unity among Nationalists. Its resonance with the past, particularly in relation to Owen Roe O’Neill and the caution against “halfway house business,” adds a distinctive local dimension to the broader national discourse on Ireland’s governance.
Tablet – Saturday 08 June 1907
