
At the New Pallas Petty Sessions on Tuesday, James Ryan, Secretary of the County Limerick Gaelic Athletic Board, found himself in legal proceedings under the Defence of the Realm Act for allegedly obstructing and impeding Constables Keohane and Spearman on the 12th ult. by refusing them admission to a hurling match at Garramore.
Represented by Mr E. Leahy, solicitor, the prosecution argued the case under the 43rd Regulation of the Act, with Mr H. O’B. Moran, solicitor, defending. The prosecution relied on the testimony of the constables, who claimed they were denied entry to the match unless they purchased tickets, which they declined to do. Subsequently, Ryan was arrested and held until the following Tuesday when the case was adjourned at his request.
In defence, Mr Moran argued that the demand for free admission for police to G.A.A. matches was unprecedented and unwarranted, except in Listowel, where it was allowed in the interest of peace. He contended that Regulation 51 of the Act, not Regulation 43, should have been invoked, as it pertains to the police’s rights in cases of suspicion.
However, Mr Leahy countered that Regulation 43 did grant the right to service, etc., to police constables, as they were explicitly included in the regulations. He also pointed out that the issue had been raised with Deputy Inspector-General, General Maxwell, and Major Price, but no clear directive had been received.
Despite attempts to call witnesses to further clarify the matter, the magistrates deemed it unnecessary to delve into these details. After deliberation, Mr P.J. Kelly, RM, announced that the majority of the magistrates found the constables were indeed denied admission, but Ryan was unaware he was committing an illegal act. Some magistrates even opined that the police should have paid for admission in the ordinary way. With the majority in favour of dismissal, the case was accordingly dropped.
This legal saga sheds light on the complex intersection of sports, law, and security measures during wartime, highlighting the nuances of interpreting regulations and resolving disputes in a time of heightened tension.
Constabulary Gazette (Dublin) – Saturday 16 December 1916