Dear Editor,

I have observed with interest Mr Michael Flynn’s attempt to respond to my previous letter in the “Kerry News.” Frankly, it can only be described as an “obvious wriggle” from start to finish. Mr Flynn, in his rejoinder, failed to address any of the points I raised. He merely made feeble attempts to discredit my statements.

Mr Flynn, in his own words, admitted that he could only “refer to a few” points. This acknowledgment underscores his inability to counter the arguments I presented, as I meticulously provided day, date, time, and place for each statement related to the ongoing carpenters’ dispute.

The 3rd of June, a day commemorating the reinstatement of the ‘famous Cleeney evicted tenant’ after two decades, stands out in the history of our county. This event should serve as a source of inspiration for those presently denied the right to reside in Kerry. Mr Flynn’s involvement in this matter, as witnessed by a few, adds an intriguing layer to his character, especially given his role at the reinstatement ceremony wearing a green ribbon.

It is apparent that Mr Flynn miscalculated the situation when he involved himself in the dispute between Tralee and Killarney. His admission of meeting blackleg arrivals at the train station exposes his misjudgment. The ovation received by Mr Flynn and a Limerick carpenter from Tralee carpenters underscores the support they garnered. Notably, a mason, on six occasions in four days, rejected work, stating he would not forget the ovation. Mr Flynn’s attempt to discredit my family’s longstanding presence in Tralee as carpenters is baseless.

The insinuation that Mr Flynn was commissioned by Mr P. Murphy to respond to my letter raises questions about the sincerity of the discourse. If Mr Murphy wished to reply, he should have done so without enlisting the aid of his employee, Mr Flynn. Mr Flynn’s attempt to twist the circumstances surrounding my employment at the Christian Brothers Monastery lacks substance. Despite being recommended by Mr Murphy for a higher-paying position, I was retained at a lower rate, raising questions about the supposed compliment.

Mr Flynn’s attempt to define a “man” as a “blackleg and an emergency man” is a misguided generalization. I reject such labels, as they inaccurately characterize my situation. If Mr Flynn insists on pursuing this line of argument, he should ask Mr P. Murphy about the circumstances surrounding my recommendation and subsequent employment.

Mr Flynn’s mention of axe grinding and subcontractors lacks clarity. If he possesses the courage, he should name the subcontractors rather than speaking in riddles. In conclusion, I express my apologies for the length of this response, confident that my objectives have been achieved, and further correspondence will be unnecessary.

Yours truly,
William Bland
Secretary, Killarney Branch Amalgamated Society Carpenters and Joiners

Kerry News – Monday 01 July 1907