Category: 1906

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Change-Ringers Enchant Limerick with Re-banged Peal Bells In a harmonious revival, the peal bells at Mary’s Protestant Cathedral in Limerick rang anew, echoing a rich history that binds them to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. The recent resonating symphony marked the culmination of a meticulous re-banging orchestrated by the skilled change-ringers from St. Patrick’s. Legend surrounds these bells, casting a captivating narrative over their origin. According to the tale, these bells were cast by an Italian artisan enraptured by their melodious tones. However, fate led him to part with these treasures as they were eventually sold to… Read Full Article

In a poignant moment for the Irish Methodist community, Reverend William Gorman, the venerable figure with a ministerial tenure spanning fifty-three years, succumbed to pneumonia on Saturday at his residence in Osborne Park, Belfast. The esteemed clergyman, who hailed from the historic city of Limerick, breathed his last at the age of seventy-nine. Reverend Gorman’s remarkable journey in the Methodist ministry was marked by steadfast dedication and service to his faith. A native of Limerick, he reached a significant milestone three years prior when he joyously celebrated his golden jubilee as a minister. The passing of Reverend Gorman leaves a… Read Full Article

On a Christmas Eve in times predating the railway’s dominance, a peculiar incident unfolded near Ennis, leaving an indelible mark on those who witnessed it. A narrative recounted in T. P.’s Weekly describes a gentleman named Quin, journeying homeward when his horse, inconveniently, cast a shoe. This seemingly mundane misfortune set the stage for a series of events that would send shivers down Quin’s spine. In his quest to find a blacksmith, Quin led his limping horse through the night. Finally locating a smithy, the delay proved worth the wait as a mysterious horseman, with a ghastly countenance, materialized. The… Read Full Article

In a recent discussion with Mr John Redmond, the Freeman’s Journal sheds light on the Irish Party’s perspective regarding the amendments to the Education Bill introduced by the House of Lords. Mr Redmond expressed deep regret upon reading a letter from the Bishop of Limerick, published in the Freeman’s Journal on Saturday. In response, he asserted that the Bishop was misinformed about the facts surrounding the matter. According to Mr Redmond, no negotiations between the Irish Party and the Government on the Education Bill had transpired, except after consultations with the English bishops. These consultations continued until the last possible… Read Full Article

In a tribute to the literary contributions of Gerald Griffin, a statue is poised to grace the streets of Limerick, his birthplace in December 1803. Although Griffin’s works may have waned in popularity in recent years, particularly among the British public, his novels, “The Collegians” and “Suil Dhuv,” endure as acclaimed prose fictions of global stature. “The Collegians” holds a prominent place in Griffin’s literary repertoire, gaining widespread recognition through a dramatized adaptation crafted by the late Dion Boucicault, titled “The Colleen Bawn.” This theatrical rendition made its debut at the Adelphi Theatre in 1860, achieving a then-unprecedented run of… Read Full Article

In a tribute to the multifaceted talent of Gerald Griffin, encompassing his roles as a poet, novelist, dramatist, and Christian Brother, a memorial is set to grace his native city of Limerick. The memorial will manifest as a school affiliated with the brotherhood to which Griffin belonged, featuring a statue facing the cathedral. Gerald Griffin, born in 1803, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Having penned the tragedy “Gisippus” in his youth, the work saw its inaugural performance two years posthumously at Drury Lane Theatre, with Marready and Miss Helen Taunt taking on the principal roles. Griffin’s literary… Read Full Article

Embarking on a historical journey through Ireland, Limerick takes center stage, revealing a distinctive and somewhat whimsical duelling tradition. English duelists, amidst an atmosphere of apparent tension embellished with a hint of theatrics, partook in a ritualistic prelude – a kiss. The echoes of a peculiar incident from 1758, as chronicled by John Wesley in his Journal, resonate in the annals of Limerick’s history. Wesley’s account details an encounter between two English combatants, cryptically identified as Mr B. and Mr J., who, prior to the exchange of gunfire, engaged in a perfunctory kiss. In a tone laced with sardonic commentary,… Read Full Article

In a courtroom drama unfolding at the Munster Assizes in Limerick, Patrick Meaney, a farmer hailing from County Clare, found himself sentenced to a formidable 15 years of penal servitude. This severe penalty was meted out in response to Meaney’s conviction for the deliberate shooting of Michael Woulfe, a fellow farmer’s son, with clear intent to commit murder. The incident, which cast a somber shadow over the proceedings, occurred against the backdrop of rural life, where the accused and victim shared ties to the agricultural landscape of County Clare. The gravity of the charges and the subsequent sentencing underscored the… Read Full Article

In a recent legal proceeding at the local court, John Bill, a resident of Willow-row, found himself facing charges of desertion from the 4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, stationed at Limerick. The prosecution was brought forth by Police-constable Mortimer, who testified to having apprehended the accused at his residence. When informed of the charges, Bill reportedly acknowledged the allegations with a nonchalant “That’s right.” According to Mortimer’s testimony, Bill had enlisted in Derby on March 7th, 1904, only to abandon his post on October 31st of the same year. The police constable further revealed that the accused was on furlough up… Read Full Article

The Bishop of Limerick has penned a poignant letter to The Freeman’s Journal, expressing deep regret and dismay over the letters of the London correspondent representing the publication. In this missive, the Bishop navigates the intricate terrain of the Education Bill, highlighting what he perceives as a deliberate obfuscation by the correspondent and underscoring the importance of safeguarding the interests of the Catholic community. The Bishop vehemently challenges the correspondent’s characterization of the House of Lords as the singular source of malevolence in the context of the Education Bill. He emphasizes that the Bill successfully navigated all stages in the… Read Full Article