In a recent letter to the editor, a concerned observer, identified only as “Horseman,” sheds light on the challenging circumstances faced by labourers in County Limerick. The missive, dated from the 27th of the previous month, delves into the harsh realities of agricultural life, particularly regarding the allocation of plots to labourers.

Highlighting the issue of “labourers’ plots” in County Limerick, Horseman acknowledges the veracity of claims made by another correspondent, referred to as “Footman.” These plots, it is noted, often present significant challenges for cultivation, with some deemed “untillable.” The practice of allocating the less fertile “tail” of farms to cottagers, particularly prevalent in earlier times before the involvement of labourers in District Councils, is brought to attention.

Footman’s assertion that servants from the larger farms must return home for a meagre meal of potatoes and cabbage resonates with Horseman, who suggests that the size of the farm correlates with the duration of vegetable scarcity. Contrary to recent criticisms levelled at farmers for their perceived neglect of alternative crops, Horseman contends that they deserve recognition for sustaining the production of staple foods, such as potatoes.

The significance of potatoes in the local economy is underscored by their availability at Limerick markets, where they can be procured for a modest sum, between sixpence and seven pence per stone. This stands in stark contrast to pre-war prices, where a shilling was not uncommonly paid for the same quantity. A local trader, acknowledging the boon to the impoverished populace, lauds the affordability of potatoes in the present context.

However, Horseman does not shy away from addressing the disparity between wholesale and retail prices, lamenting the apparent profiteering at the expense of consumers. With retail prices sometimes reaching as high as ninepence per stone, Horseman suggests that critics redirect their scrutiny towards the activities of profiteers, rather than solely blaming farmers for perceived shortcomings.

This exchange encapsulates the multifaceted challenges inherent in agricultural life in County Limerick, where historical practices intersect with contemporary concerns over economic disparity and food accessibility.

Dublin Leader – Saturday 10 June 1916