On Saturday, the fortnightly Petty Sessions were held in Glin with Major Kiggell presiding, accompanied by Mr Stephen Peguum, Dr Charles McUDonnell, and Mr Francis Fitzgerald. District Inspector Cusack was also present. The case involved a farmer named John Culhane who charged Sergeant O’Rorke and Constable Kellahan with assaulting him on August 1st. In turn, the police had cross-cases against Culhane for assault, and he was additionally charged with being drunk and disorderly by Sergeant O’Rorke.
Represented by Mr Thomas Mindle and Mr John Moran, solicitors from Tarbert and Listowel respectively, John Culhane testified that on the evening in question, he was near his home after receiving some information. Before reaching his house, he stopped at Mrs. McElligott’s place and encountered the two policemen. They questioned his whereabouts, to which he replied that he was going to fetch a bull. Culhane asserted that he was accustomed to such tasks and continued home. However, as he approached Mrs. McElligott’s house again with his wife, the police confronted him. He claimed that Constable Kellahan pushed and grabbed him, tearing his shirt, while Sergeant O’Rorke held him down. Culhane pleaded with them to settle the matter amicably, but they proceeded to knock him down. His wife intervened, urging them not to harm him further, and Culhane eventually retreated home and filed a complaint.
During cross-examination, Constable Kellahan questioned Culhane about unrelated matters, prompting objections from the chairman. Culhane admitted visiting several pubs during the day but denied being intoxicated. He clarified that he was at the Petty Sessions clerk’s office around 7 o’clock to assist a woman with bail.
Sergeant O’Rorke testified that he and Constable Kellahan were on duty that night. They visited Mrs. McElligott’s house, inquired about her milking cows, and then lay down in a nearby ditch. When Culhane passed by and opened a gate, they approached him, questioning his purpose. According to the sergeant, Culhane had no authority to be on the premises and eventually proceeded onto the public road. Upon Culhane’s return with his wife, a confrontation ensued, during which Culhane allegedly assaulted the constable and the sergeant. The police restrained him and claimed that Culhane was intoxicated.
Mrs. McElligott, a neighbour of Culhane’s, stated that she did not grant permission for him to take the bull, although she had allowed it on previous occasions. She described Culhane as a quiet and respectable man.
After further testimonies and cross-examinations, the magistrates retired to deliberate. Upon their return, they dismissed the summonses against Constable Kellahan, along with all other summonses. The question regarding liability for the injury to a horse was referred to Mr Ryan, a solicitor.
In other matters, a motion by Mr Keogh to transfer a cottage from its current tenant to Mary Fitzgerald was unsupported and failed. Mr Hastings, a solicitor, attended in support of the motion, alleging that Fitzgerald had given the cottage to someone else, excluding his wife. However, Mr Hayes, another guardian, contradicted Mr Hastings’ statement. Additionally, Mr Ryan, solicitor, reported on a case involving the recovery of a cottage in Ballybrood, which was adjourned at the Ballyneety Petty Sessions for a month. Mr Moran, solicitor for the defendant, assured the court that possession would be given up within the specified time.
The Council adjourned after these proceedings.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 06 September 1904
