In a significant gathering at the Theatre Royal in Limerick, the All-for-Ireland League held a meeting that drew a large and attentive audience. The event, requiring admission via ticket, saw a well-filled venue, with scrutiny of attendees to ensure a disturbance-free environment.
While the enthusiasm outside the venue seemed subdued, special trains brought in participants from various locations within a twenty-mile radius of the city. Notably, drum and fife bands from outside the city were enlisted, as local bands chose not to partake in the demonstration.
The proceedings commenced at eight o’clock in the evening, and the appearance of Lord Dunraven and Mr William O’Brien on the platform was met with enthusiastic cheers from the assembled crowd, including several ladies. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of an address to Lord Dunraven and Mr W. O’Brien.
Letters and telegrams expressing regret for non-attendance were read, emphasizing the widespread interest and support for the cause. Lord Monteagle conveyed his apologies due to a prior engagement in London, expressing sympathy for the movement. Other messages echoed sentiments of support for the league’s objectives, particularly in resisting further taxation.
Mr J. Grene Barry, J.P., voiced his agreement with the meeting’s goals, focusing on uniting Irishmen for the material welfare of the country and resisting additional taxation. He emphasized the potential harm to Ireland’s benefits arising from the Land Purchase Act of 1903, now seemingly undermined and rendered ineffective.
Reverend Clancy, C.C., Kilkec, criticized the Irish Parliamentary Party for their perceived subservience to British parties and highlighted the need for a more robust approach to the Irish National movement.
Lord Dunraven, a prominent figure in the proceedings, reflected on the historical attempts to address the Irish question, specifically citing his efforts in 1931 to settle the issue through the abolition of landlordism. He expressed disappointment in the Land Act being obstructed and labelled Mr Birrell’s Bill of the previous year as the “absolute death of land purchase.”
Lord Dunraven accused Irish members of Parliament of sacrificing Irish farmers’ interests to safeguard the British Treasury, particularly in the face of increased taxation. He criticized their acceptance of the Finance Bill and warned of the impending financial burden that could result from a proposed Home Rule Bill.
While expressing hope for the success of the ongoing House of Lords and Veto Conference discussions, Lord Dunraven underscored his support for the principle of federation and his desire to relieve Parliament of its congested condition. The meeting thus became a platform for the articulation of concerns and a call for unity in the pursuit of Irish interests.
Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 09 July 1910
