In a recent session at the Limerick Petty Sessions, a distressing incident came to light involving Bridget Madigan, the wife of a soldier, who was summoned for malicious destruction of furniture while under the influence of alcohol and attacking the owner, Kate Donovan.

During the proceedings overseen by Mr J. Daly and Mr S. Quin, concerns were raised about the abuse of separation allowances among soldier’s wives, particularly regarding instances of alcohol-fuelled misconduct. Mr Daly, echoing the sentiments of Inspector Mr Craig, stressed the need for greater oversight in such cases, highlighting the prevalence of drinking habits among these women, which he described as constituting a grave scandal.

Inspector Craig acknowledged reporting similar cases previously but noted the challenge in addressing the issue due to the protocol of offering multiple warnings before resorting to legal action. Despite efforts to intervene and provide support, some individuals persisted in their harmful behaviour, leading to court summonses.

In a separate incident, Mary Connahan, also a woman of the same social class, faced a severe sentence of four months’ imprisonment for cruelly treating her child while intoxicated. Inspector Craig revealed that Connahan had a troubling history of repeated convictions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Act.

These distressing events underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to address alcohol misuse and ensure the welfare of vulnerable individuals in Limerick, particularly those affected by separation allowances within military families. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to upholding standards of conduct and safeguarding the well-being of all community members.

Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 11 September 1915