In a legal saga reminiscent of a limerick’s twist and turns, a 59-acre farm in Jamestown, near Charleville, previously owned by Hannah R. Glenn, saw a courtroom battle culminate in its sale to John Houlihan of Croom last July for £1,610. However, the tale took an unexpected turn as John Regan, the husband of the deceased, continued to reside in the house, leading the buyer to claim deprivation of land profits.

Mr Justice Barton presided over the case, ordering the defendant, John Regan, to pay £15 in compensation to the purchaser, along with one-fourth of his costs, while the remaining three-fourths were to be settled from the estate. Additionally, the costs of the plaintiff and executor, Mr Roger Crowe, were directed to be covered by the estate.

Contrary to the plaintiff’s argument, Mr Justice Barton ruled that no auction fees were due from the buyer, as the conditions of sale applied solely to out-of-court transactions. Representing the parties were Mr M. Comyn, B.C., for the plaintiff; Mr P. Kelly for the defendant; and Mr Philips for the purchaser.

The courtroom drama echoed the complexities and nuances often found within the lines of a limerick, weaving together legal intricacies and familial disputes against the backdrop of rural Ireland.

Irish Independent – Saturday 25 March 1916