
In a notable development at the Chancery Division yesterday, a dispute over a Limerick farm reached an amicable resolution. The case, brought by Margaret Coleman of Charleville, Co. Cork, a spinster, against Ellen Cahill, wife of Edward Cahill, and Edward Cahill, a farmer from Sluggary, Limerick, revolved around a declaration of a debt and interest amounting to £40. The dispute centred on 37 acres and 2 roods of land in the Barony of Pubblebreen, Co. Limerick, covered by a deed of charge dated 5th August 1908.
The plaintiff, Margaret Coleman, sought a declaration that the aforementioned amount and interest were owed based on the 1908 deed. The defendants, Ellen and Edward Cahill, countered the claim, arguing that the deed was executed under false pretences. They asserted that Margaret Coleman, acting as the deceased bootmaker David Coleman’s assignee, misrepresented to Ellen Cahill that she owed £20, the remaining balance of a £350 debt charged by Coleman.
The proceedings, overseen by Mr Justice Ross, saw legal representatives engaged in heated discussions. However, the case took an unexpected turn when a settlement was reached. The defendants, Ellen and Edward Cahill, agreed to pay the plaintiff the sum of £419 12s, bringing a conclusive end to the dispute.
The nature of the settlement and the decision to resolve the matter outside a full trial remain undisclosed. The settlement marks the conclusion of a legal battle that had the potential to prolong and complicate matters for both parties involved.
The legal representation for the plaintiff, Margaret Coleman, was led by Mr K. Brennan, LC, with Mr Patrick Kelly (instructed by Mr Theo H. Kenny) supporting the case. On the defendants’ side, Mr P. D. Fleming and Mr Phelps (instructed by Messrs. Moran and Hayes) defended Ellen and Edward Cahill.
The case had attracted attention due to its intricate details involving a historical debt, a contested deed, and the assignment of lands. The settlement now allows the parties to move forward, having resolved their differences, without the need for a protracted legal battle.
This resolution brings an end to the Limerick farm dispute that gripped the Chancery Division, emphasizing the effectiveness of reaching settlements in complex legal matters.
Freeman’s Journal – Wednesday 01 May 1912