Limerick is gripped by a sense of indignation over what it deems as an unfounded accusation of Catholic intolerance during the funeral of Mr John Enright in Castleconnell on the 27th. Father Winerney, the Parish Priest of Castleconnell, provided a detailed account of the events to a press representative, seeking to rectify what he perceives as misrepresentations.

In the final days of Mr Enright’s illness, he expressed a desire to meet with a clergyman, specifically mentioning the priest. The priest promptly responded to this request, visiting Mr Enright multiple times at his bedside. The family was well aware of the priest’s visits, and there was no objection from them. On the contrary, when the priest visited on Saturday to pay his third visit to the deceased, Mr Enright’s brothers thanked him for his attention.

The wake held after Mr Enright’s death was purely traditional, and the priest who attended to him informed the rector, Mr Wylie, that he had passed away as a Catholic. Despite this information, Mr Wylie arrived at the cemetery with the intention of conducting a Protestant burial service. This attempt to administer Protestant rites over someone who had clearly adhered to the Catholic faith led to a confrontation.

The exaggerated scene at the cemetery sparked tensions, with about 300 Protestants attempting to take the coffin from the shoulders of the bearers, prompting a response from Catholics. The Catholics, in turn, insisted on adhering to the deceased’s wishes for a Catholic burial and proceeded to the cemetery of the Protestant Church.

Mr W. Enright, a member of the family, contradicted statements made in the “Daily Express,” expressing regret over the publicity given to an incident that he believes should have been allowed to pass without sensationalization.

This detailed account seeks to dispel the notion of religious intolerance and emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and honouring the wishes of the deceased, regardless of their religious affiliation. The incident, as portrayed by the local priest and Mr W. Enright, underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding religious practices in a community.

Catholic Times and Catholic Opinion – Friday 13 November 1908