The Limerick Spring Assizes commenced with the County Court session, presided over by His Lordship, Mr Justice Andrews. He was accompanied by the High Sheriff, Colonel O’Grady, and B.K. Lucas, the Sub Sheriff. The Clerk of the Crown and Peace, Mr D. Beauchamp, swore in the Grand Jury, with Mr James O’G Delmege, BL, as the foreman.
In his address to the Grand Jury, His Lordship mentioned that there were about eight cases to be investigated, which were not particularly unusual. He referred to a report from the County Inspector, which indicated a net decrease of eight specially-reported cases between the last Summer and Winter Assizes and a net increase of two cases between the last Winter Assizes and the present Assizes. However, he noted that there had been an increase in cases of intoxication in 1904, with 2,573 convictions out of 2,714 cases.
The report also highlighted 58 evicted farms in the county, with ten of them being derelict. His Lordship expressed concern about the presence of intimidation and moonlighting in the Abbeyfeale area. Additionally, there was some partial boycotting in the county, but the overall condition of the county was deemed fairly satisfactory.
In the courtroom, several cases were heard, including an assault case involving Patrick Donnelly and another involving Patrick Cowhey, James Cowhey, and John Flanagan. James Keogh, a farmer and horse dealer, testified about an incident at Rathkeale fair where he was assaulted by the defendants. The defence questioned Keogh’s state at the time of the incident, suggesting he might have been drunk.
The jury later delivered their verdicts, finding Patrick Cowhey and John Flanagan not guilty, but James Cowhey guilty of common assault. James Cowhey was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Another case involved Morgan Power, who was charged with resisting Constable James Wall and assaulting him. Witness testimonies were presented, and Power was found guilty of the charges.
The Assizes continued with more cases on the docket and the pursuit of justice for various offences and disputes.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 07 March 1905
