
At a recent session, held before Mr P. Sullivan, R.M., Dr Magner, and Dr J. B. Hayes, Michael Fitzgerald, a farmer from Ardgoole, faced charges brought by the Department of Agriculture. The allegations pertained to Fitzgerald’s failure to eliminate noxious weeds, including thistles, on his property, as mandated by a notice issued under the Weeds and Agricultural Weeds (Ireland) Act of 1906.
This marked the first prosecution of its kind in Munster, and Mr J. S. Gaffney, Crown solicitor, represented the Department during the proceedings. Mr J. H. Breen from the Department of Agriculture presented evidence related to the issuance of notices, while Mr D. J. Curran, an inspector, testified to visiting the defendant’s farm on three occasions and discovering the continued presence of the offending weeds.
The defendant did not mount a substantial defence, except to acknowledge that the weeds had been subsequently cut. The court noted that the maximum penalty for a first offence was £5, and for a subsequent offence, it was £20.
In light of the charges and evidence presented, the court imposed a fine of £5 and an additional £1 in costs on Michael Fitzgerald. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of promptly addressing agricultural responsibilities, as mandated by relevant legislation, to maintain the integrity of farming practices and uphold environmental standards.
Dublin Daily Express – Tuesday 12 September 1911