Web Analytics
Limerick Committee Protests Withdrawal of Grants by Department: A Stand for Irish Education | Limerick Archives

Limerick Committee Protests Withdrawal of Grants by Department: A Stand for Irish Education

A special meeting of the Committee of O’Curry College in Limerick convened to address the concerning circular from the Department of Agriculture, announcing the suspension of work under Section III of the programme (Teachers’ Classes) for the year 1916. The meeting, held at the Gaelic League Rooms, saw a fervent discussion on the implications of this decision and a unified stance against what was perceived as an affront to Irish education and national sentiment.

Presided over by Reverend T. J. O’Hogan, C.C., of Sixmilebridge, the meeting was attended by prominent members of the committee including Miss Nelly O’Brien, Mrs. O’Callaghan, Reverend A. Clancy, P.P., of Ballynacally, Reverend T. Wall, Ph.D., of Drumcolloghar, Sean Gordon, S. Purcell, Seamus MacMathuna, and Mrs. O’Donovan, B.A., the Honorary Secretary.

Apologies for absence and suggestions for action were also noted from absent members including Seamus O’Griohtha of Ennis, Reverend J. Hayes, M.A., Reverend C. Mulligan, C.C., of Carrigaholt, Reverend T. Molloy of St. Flannan’s in Ennis, Miss Behan, and Mrs. Clancy.

Reverend J. Clancy, P.P. of Kilballyawcu, expressed his astonishment at the decision, highlighting the disparity between treatment in Ireland compared to England and Scotland. He lamented the recurring theme of Treasury dealings with Ireland, suggesting a lack of parity in financial allocations.

Adding to the chorus of discontent, Reverend Canon O’Dea, Adm., Ennis, underscored the injustice of the situation, noting the irony of England’s purported role as the protector of small nationalities abroad while seemingly undermining Irish national sentiment at home. He called for the intervention of the Irish Party to prevent what he deemed a provocative inconsistency.

Father Wall echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of the grants in supporting Irish education. He decried the proposed withdrawal as a direct blow to national education, highlighting the critical role Gaelic Colleges played in training teachers for the Irish language.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of widespread public action, with Sean O’Muirthile’s suggestion of organizing meetings across the country to mobilize public opinion gaining traction. Miss Nelly O’Brien shared insights from a recent conference of Gaelic Colleges in Dublin, emphasising the need for united action.

Reverend Clancy proposed a resolution strongly protesting the Department’s actions, which was seconded by Mrs. O’Callaghan and unanimously adopted. The resolution condemned the withdrawal of fees as an intentional blow to Irish education and called for public representatives to endorse the protest and support vigorous agitation for the rights of the Irish language.

Father Wall further suggested a resolution calling on the Coiste Gnotha of the Gaelic League to vigorously address the issue and organize public opinion against the withdrawal of fees. This resolution was also unanimously adopted.

The Honorary Secretary was tasked with disseminating copies of the resolutions to local public bodies and relevant stakeholders, signalling a concerted effort to rally support for the cause.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of determination to defend Irish education and language rights against what was perceived as unjust and disrespectful actions by the Department of Agriculture. The resolve to fight for the preservation and promotion of the Irish language remained unwavering amidst the challenges posed by the withdrawal of grants.

Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 01 January 1916

SHARE OUR HERITAGE
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments