Limerick Police Court, Friday – In a decisive legal proceeding at the Limerick Police Court, William Higgins, Joseph O’Callaghan of Thomas Street, Limerick, and Alexander Nestor of George Street, Limerick, found themselves facing charges brought forth by the Irish Protection Association. The accusations pertained to the shooting of pheasants and rabbits on lands near Newport, County Tipperary, a violation of Statute Geo. III., c. 35, specifically occurring on a Sunday in November of the previous year.

Mr Henry Shannon, a solicitor hailing from Nenagh, represented the Irish Protection Association, while the defendants were defended by Mr Edward Coffey, a solicitor based in Limerick. The case unfolded with testimony from Sergeant O’Donnell, Constable Carr, and John Owens, a gamekeeper, offering a detailed account. The evidence indicated that the defendants, armed with guns and accompanied by a setter dog, had traversed a distance of 10 miles from Limerick City to partake in the hunting expedition. The outcome of their excursion included the killing of five rabbits and two pheasants.

The Justices, following careful consideration, reached a decision to convict. In response, Mr Coffey, speaking on behalf of the defendants, pledged to contribute £2 2s. 0d. Towards the costs of the prosecution. Taking this commitment into account, the Bench opted to impose fines of 2s. 6d. Each of the defendants.

This legal episode underscores the vigilance of the Irish Protection Association in upholding game protection laws and the consequences faced by those found in violation.

Dublin Daily Express – Monday 28 February 1910