Limerick, Friday. The atmosphere in Limerick today is marked by disappointment following the lack of progress in yesterday’s negotiations in Dublin, which failed to bring about a resolution and instead saw a call for a general strike. The railway company is responding with increasingly drastic measures concerning the Limerick strikers. The proposal to pay off the strikers tomorrow and the issuance of notices for the return of books, uniforms, and other items from minor officials signal a hardening of the company’s stance.

Trains today operated along the same routes as yesterday, reaching Limerick Junction, Ennis, and Ballybrophy, carrying the mails for Dublin, Holyhead, and onward destinations. Notably, a significant consignment of bacon and provisions was dispatched via steamer to Liverpool and London. Dock labourers, however, remained uninvolved, with a deputation from the railway emphasizing objections to merchants and traders benefitting from river way traffic facilities.

As the strike prolongs, local merchants and traders are compelled to take difficult decisions, leading to the disemployment of workmen. Despite hopes for a settlement today, the situation has only intensified, prompting concerns about the potential arrival of imported labour. Two signalmen are reported to have joined the strike at Kilmallock.

The overall stagnation and paralysis of business in Limerick are on the rise, reflecting the broader economic impact of the strike. Amidst the uncertainty, the Limerick Bacon Carers are set to resume operations as usual for the reception of farmers’ pigs delivered on Monday and the following days.

Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 23 September 1911