In a bid to address rising lawlessness in parts of Connaught, Mr Justice Wright arrived in Limerick yesterday afternoon, accompanied by the City High Sheriff, Mr William Holliday, J.P. The dignitaries were escorted to the Judges’ lodgings by a mounted detachment of Royal Engineers and Constabulary, signifying the seriousness of the situation. Today, his Lordship, accompanied by the City High Sheriff, entered the County Crown Court to open the Commission for the province of Connaught. This includes the Counties of Clare, Galway, and Limerick, along with the City of Limerick. A mounted detachment of the Royal Engineers and Constabulary formed part of the ceremonial escort.
The Black Watch band played a salute as Mr Justice Wright arrived, marking the commencement of legal proceedings to address the prevailing lawlessness in the region. The opening of the Commission was a significant moment, emphasizing the need for judicial intervention to restore order.
The legal proceedings commenced with the swearing-in of the City Grand Jury. The following gentlemen, led by Mr William M. Beauchamp, solicitor and Clerk of the Crown and Peace, were sworn in: Sir Alexander W. Shaw, J.P. (foreman); David Begley; P. E. Burge, J.P.; Frederick C. Cleeve, D.L.; Andrew J. Eaks; David Tidmarsh; James Flynn; Edward G. Fitt; James Ellis Goodbody; James Percy Goodbody; William Lloyd; Eugene J. Long, J.P.; Patrick M’Donagh; Daniel MacNeice; Charles W. Metcalfe; Archibald Murray; M. F. Pike; John F. Power; James Quin, J.P.; James H. Roche, J.P.; James R. Wallace; James O. Wilkinson; and Wm. W. Webb.
Following the formalities, Mr Justice Wright addressed the Grand Jury, providing insights into the cases that would come before them during the Connaught Assizes. He highlighted that the vast area covered by the Assize included the counties of Leitrim, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Clare, Limerick, and the City of Limerick.
Mr Justice Wright acknowledged the substantial number of cases—fifty in total—demanding their attention. He assured the Grand Jury that, despite the large scope, the cases were, for the most part, straightforward, with direct evidence presented. He expressed confidence in their ability to handle the proceedings efficiently.
The judicial address also provided a detailed overview of cases by county, beginning with Leitrim, where only three cases were reported. The cases ranged from maliciously breaking a plate-glass window to attempted suicide and manslaughter.
Moving to Galway, Mr Justice Wright noted a more considerable caseload—ten cases in total, involving charges such as housebreaking, arson, and firing shots into a dwelling-house. The address aimed to provide the Grand Jury with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape they would navigate during the Connaught Assizes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits with anticipation, hoping that the Connaught Assizes will serve as a crucial step towards restoring law and order in the affected regions.
Dublin Daily Express – Friday 02 December 1910
