In a peculiar turn of events, an unusual incident unfolded in the heart of Limerick, Ireland, involving Dr Long, a medical missionary in the city, and a 16-year-old girl named Grace Kersley. The centre of the dispute revolves around the young girl’s religious affiliation.

According to reports, Grace was entrusted to the care of the Sisters of Mercy at the local industrial school twelve years ago, following the demise of her Protestant father. Recently, her mother, who had remarried and embraced Protestantism, sought to influence Grace’s religious convictions. However, the teenager, who was released from the industrial school a few months ago, purportedly resisted the pressure to convert and instead sought refuge at the Home for Girls at St. Mary’s Convent.

The contentious issue reached a boiling point when both Dr Long and Grace’s mother attempted to gain custody of her. Their efforts, first made last night and again today, were met with staunch resistance from the young girl, who steadfastly refused to leave the convent premises.

The initial commitment of Grace to the Sisters of Mercy was ostensibly rooted in the father’s religious preferences. The complexity of the situation deepened when her mother, having embraced Protestantism after remarrying, desired her daughter to follow suit. This clash of religious preferences has transformed a private family matter into a public spectacle, causing a ripple of excitement in the local community.

The story begins over a decade ago, with the unfortunate passing of Grace’s Protestant father. In the aftermath, the young girl was entrusted to the care of the Sisters of Mercy at the local industrial school. The mother’s subsequent conversion to Protestantism appears to have sparked the desire for a religious alignment within the family. The tension reached its peak as Grace, who emerged from the industrial school a few months ago, reportedly declined her mother’s wishes to convert.

Seeking solace in the confines of the Home for Girls at St. Mary’s Convent, Grace’s decision to resist religious conversion has become a focal point of contention. The involvement of Dr Long, a medical missionary, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, suggesting that the dispute may extend beyond familial concerns.

The attempts made by both Dr Long and Grace’s mother to secure custody have been met with unwavering resistance from the determined teenager. Whether the stand-off will evolve into a legal battle or continue as a familial disagreement remains to be seen, but the incident has undeniably captured the attention of the local community.

The intricate interplay of personal beliefs, familial expectations, and the influence of religious institutions paints a nuanced picture of this curious incident in Limerick. As the city grapples with the complexities of the situation, it serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between individual autonomy and familial expectations, set against the backdrop of religious convictions. The unfolding drama continues to be a topic of conversation in Limerick, leaving the community both intrigued and reflective on the broader issues at play.

Dublin Daily Express – Thursday 04 May 1911