In a solemn session at the County Crown Court in Limerick, Justice Roes delivered sentences on Saturday for the manslaughter case involving Martin Quilty and Michael Dennehy. The two men were convicted on Thursday for their roles in the tragic death of Daniel Downes in Ballyhadeen, near Bruff, on December 3rd of last year.

Justice Roes, addressing Martin Quilty directly, acknowledged the gravity of the crime, describing it as a matter of serious concern. Under normal circumstances, his lordship explained, it would be his duty to impose a substantial period of penal servitude. However, he noted mitigating factors that influenced the court’s decision.

The jury, having carefully considered the case, recommended mercy for Quilty. Justice Roes assured that this recommendation had received his utmost consideration. Furthermore, the court considered the substantial sum of money that Quilty had deposited for the benefit of Daniel Downes’s children. This gesture, reflecting an acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation, contributed to the court’s decision-making process.

Health considerations also played a role in the sentencing decision. Justice Roes acknowledged that Quilty’s health was not robust, as he was suffering from arthritis and rheumatic gout. Balancing these factors and striving to make the punishment as small as possible while still being substantial, Justice Roes pronounced the sentences.

Martin Quilty, convicted of manslaughter, received a twelve-month sentence of imprisonment. Michael Dennehy, the other individual involved in the case, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The court, recognizing the complexities of the case, emphasized the importance of considering the interests of the people living in the country. While the sentences aimed to reflect the gravity of the offence, the court took into account the various circumstances surrounding the case.

The proceedings concluded with the removal of the sentenced prisoners, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the responsibility of the justice system in addressing such incidents.

The sentencing highlights the delicate balance that courts must strike between acknowledging the severity of criminal actions and considering mitigating factors that may warrant leniency. The community in Limerick, Ireland, now awaits the resolution of this tragic chapter, hoping for justice and healing for all those affected.

Dublin Daily Express – Monday 11 March 1912