In a recent session presided over by County Court Judge Law-Smith in Limerick, claims for compensation due to alleged malicious injuries were brought to the Crown Court. These cases involved property damages, burnings, and harm to livestock, with legal representatives presenting their arguments. This article provides an overview of the proceedings and the outcomes of various compensation claims.

1. Robert O’Donoghue’s Claim:
   Robert O’Donoghue sought £10 for alleged malicious injury to his home and property on the 19th of June. Mr P. Kelly, representing the County Council, and Mr M. Comyn, representing O’Donoghue, presented their cases. O’Donoghue, a carrier, claimed that the injury occurred during a dispute over the division of land, leading to the fracturing of his horse’s foreleg. Despite opposition, the court awarded compensation, the specific amount not mentioned in the report.
2. Michael Coffey’s Claim:
   Michael Coffey applied for compensation for the malicious burning of his house and furniture. The incident was linked to a dispute over the purchase of a farm. Malice was inferred from this dispute, and after hearing the applicant’s evidence, the court dismissed the claim without calling on the defence, allowing Limerick County Council costs.
3. Michael Kennedy’s Claim:
   Michael Kennedy sought compensation for the malicious stabbing of his horse, an incident attributed to trade jealousy. Kennedy, a publican and occasional carrier, claimed the injury occurred in September, rendering the animal unable to work for about ten weeks. The court dismissed the claim after hearing the evidence.
4. Patrick Murroe’s Claim:
   Patrick Murroe was granted ten shillings for the malicious burning of timber gates.
5. Mary Heelsin’s Claim:
   Mary Heelsin applied for compensation for the destruction of thirteen turkeys on the morning of November. The turkeys, being fattened for the Christmas trade, were killed, causing financial loss. The court heard the evidence, and the outcome of the claim is not explicitly mentioned in the report.

The legal proceedings in Limerick regarding malicious injury claims highlight the complexities surrounding such cases. Disputes over land division, trade jealousy, and personal conflicts manifested in property damages and harm to animals. The decisions made by the court reflect a careful consideration of the evidence presented by both sides, aiming to deliver fair and just outcomes in the realm of compensation for malicious injuries.

Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 13 January 1912