In a recent development in Limerick, a young clerk named John Hehir has found himself entangled in legal proceedings under the Defence of the Realm Act. Hehir was apprehended by military authorities on allegations of tearing down a recruiting placard soliciting volunteers for the new Army. The placard prominently featured a portrait of Mr William Redmond, MP.., in his capacity as a lieutenant of His Majesty’s Forces.

The incident, which occurred on the night of the 10th inst., was brought to the attention of the Limerick Corporation following a complaint from the local constabulary. Upon receiving the complaint, the Corporation opted to defer action, prompting military intervention. Subsequently, upon being notified of the defacement of the placard, the military dispatched personnel from Mallow, culminating in Hehir’s arrest.

Hehir, described as a clerk employed in a Limerick firm, now remains in custody pending the deliberation of the military authorities regarding the charges levelled against him. The precise nature of the charges and the potential consequences for Hehir are yet to be determined.

The Defence of the Realm Act, enacted during wartime, grants the government broad powers to maintain national security and order. Under its provisions, actions perceived as detrimental to the war effort, such as the defacement of recruitment materials, can result in legal repercussions.

The case has sparked discussions within the community, with some expressing support for Hehir’s actions as an assertion of individual beliefs or opposition to military conscription. Conversely, others maintain that adherence to wartime regulations is paramount for the collective good.

The Limerick Corporation, entrusted with upholding local governance and addressing civic matters, finds itself at the intersection of legal, military, and public opinion regarding this incident. As the case unfolds, it is likely to prompt further scrutiny of the balance between individual freedoms and state authority during times of conflict.

Efforts to reach Hehir or his legal representatives for comment have been unsuccessful thus far. Likewise, the military authorities have refrained from providing detailed statements regarding the ongoing investigation.

With tensions running high amidst the backdrop of global conflict, the case of John Hehir serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in balancing civil liberties with national security imperatives. As the legal process proceeds, all eyes remain fixed on Limerick, awaiting the resolution of this intriguing and contentious affair.

Dublin Daily Express – Friday 26 March 1915