In a startling revelation that has ignited a wave of controversy, accusations of historical brutality in Limerick, Ireland, have resurfaced, challenging the narrative presented by the current administration. The allegations, stemming from a speech by the renowned Irish orator Daniel O’Connell, paint a grim picture of torture and oppression during the late 18th century, directly challenging claims made by Lord Castlereagh in the House of Commons.
O’Connell, known for his impassioned speeches advocating for Irish rights, did not mince words as he accused the administration of perpetuating falsehoods. According to him, the present government’s principal feature is a blatant and unapologetic commitment to deception, with falsehood serving as the cohesive force within its ranks.
One of the most striking claims made by O’Connell challenges Lord Castlereagh’s assertion that there was no torture in Ireland between 1797 and 1798. O’Connell argues that the Minister’s statement is not only false but a gross misrepresentation of historical reality. Drawing attention to the city of Limerick, he suggests that the echoes of the lash were once pervasive in its streets.
Colonel Vereker, an individual named by O’Connell, reportedly informed Lord Castlereagh of the brutal reality that unfolded within Limerick’s walls. The Colonel’s account includes the chilling detail that the human groans resulting from torture reverberated through the city. O’Connell, displaying a mix of astonishment and indignation, challenges the notion that such brutality could be denied or overlooked.
The orator goes on to recount a harrowing incident involving a servant of Mrs. Rosslewen, a relative of Colonel Vereker. According to O’Connell, this individual was subjected to torture not only for expressing compassion but also because the Colonel dared to intervene. The victim, O’Connell claims, died in an insane state within months, the flogging having robbed him of all semblance of reason.
While these accusations may shock, O’Connell maintains that they are just the tip of the iceberg. He suggests that in Dublin, for weeks on end, three permanent triangles stood as symbols of torture, where victims were chosen from the army, yeomanry, police constables, and even Orange lodges. The city, according to O’Connell, echoed with the agonizing shrieks of the tortured, raising questions about the level of complicity within the Castle.
One particularly gruesome detail shared by O’Connell involves a naked individual, tarred, feathered, with one ear cut off, being pursued by a group of barbarians along the Castle yard gate. The graphic depiction aims to underscore the severity of the alleged atrocities and the need for a reevaluation of the historical narrative.
These claims, however, are not without their sceptics. The administration, O’Connell contends, falsely presents itself as having evolved beyond the divisive Catholic question. Despite assurances that the issue is left to the discretion of individual members, O’Connell insists that there is a concerted effort to advise against measures favouring the Catholic community.
As the controversy unfolds, the veracity of O’Connell’s allegations will undoubtedly come under scrutiny. The historical account, coloured by the orator’s impassioned rhetoric, raises questions about the broader context of Ireland’s past and the need for a nuanced understanding of its complex history.
Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 02 December 1911
