In an unexpected turn of events at the Ballina Petty Sessions, a lively tale unfolded involving a local hotel “boots,” James Casey, and his inadvertent escapade with a motor car belonging to Mr K. B. Jennings, the esteemed agent for Messrs. Russell and Sons of Limerick.

The courtroom, filled with anticipation, heard how the motor misadventure transpired. Mr Huggard, the solicitor, recounted that the car, entrusted to the care of the railway station, became the centre of attention while its owner, Mr Jennings, indulged in a game of hockey. Seizing the opportunity, young James Casey, perhaps fuelled by curiosity or mischief, found himself behind the wheel of the motor.

However, Casey’s automotive skills left much to be desired, as he inadvertently set the car into motion. The vehicle careened along the Raheen Road, its journey marked by encounters with various fences. In a dramatic climax, Casey, attempting to evade a group of cattle, swerved the car onto one wheel, orchestrating a somersault that concluded with the vehicle resting in a field.

Amidst fits of laughter in the courtroom, the defendant, Casey, provided his version of events. He claimed that he was not the mastermind of this vehicular misadventure but rather a reluctant participant, shoved into the car by a mischievous crowd of boys. His explanation elicited further amusement from those present.

Unperturbed, Casey expressed his willingness to make amends for the damages caused. Mr Meldon, J.P., inquired about Casey’s financial means, to which the defendant revealed an income of 3s per week. The solicitor, Mr Huggard, pressed further, questioning Casey’s reliability in meeting financial obligations. Casey, with a touch of humour, retorted that he received payments so infrequently that the last one he got was from Mr Huggard himself, much to the courtroom’s amusement.

In light of the damages incurred, Casey was fined 1s and additional costs. The court further ruled that he should compensate Mr Jennings with £1 for the unintended havoc wrought upon the motor car. A decision met with a sense of finality, marking the end of this peculiar chapter in the local courts.

This incident, though amusing in its retelling, underscores the importance of responsible behaviour, especially when handling machinery beyond one’s expertise. As the legal proceedings concluded, Ballina residents were left to ponder the unpredictable turns that life can take, even for a “boots” with a penchant for unexpected adventures.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Friday 24 October 1913