Category Archives: Limerick

Munster News, Limerick & Clare Advocate : Extracts

The Munster News and Limerick and Clare advocate
Wednesday August 24, 1887

Sheriff’s Sale 
Robert Conway Dobbs Plaintiff
John O’Brien, Defendant
Farm of land at Knockgreen, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick rent £220 a year.
H.S.J. Massy, Sheriff for the Co. of Limerick.


__________
The Allen, Larkin & O’Brien Memorial Committee called in all collecting cards with amount collected on them by 1st Steptember.

________________________

Old hay, Rye grass and Clover for sale. : S. E. Collis, Tieraclea, Tarbert.

________________________

The Proclamation Debate.
The debate on the Proclamation of the National League, which will come on in the House of Commons on Thursday night next, on Mr. Gladstone’s motion for an
Address to the Queen asking her to reverse the process will be one of the most important for this country that has ever taken place in any assemblage in
England……..

_________________________

Father Shannon and the drought (River Shannon in drought)
”How long has you on this planet my man?”
”Well, I was born in the year 1799, sir.”
Then you are 88 years of age. Now, tell me did you ever see the Shannon so low during all that time?
Well, sir, I know it well ; I was thirty years boss of a canal boat and I ought to know, and I never saw so little water in the river before.”

The scene of the foregoing conversation was the south bank of the Shannon at Killaloe ; the day, Sunday last, and the speakers a very old country man, and the citizens of Limerick who related the occurrence to us. He was expressing his wonder at the state to which the mighty Shannon was reduced all the way down
to limerick, and he could have applied his words to its condition for many miles below the city as well. It is so shallow at Killaloe, and at places near Castleconnell that it is really almost possible to walk across dry shod. At Limerick, about Corbally and below, between the bridges, there are also
extraordinary shallows or complete absence of water ; but still farther down is a more astonishing result of the drought, for at one point of the river about a mile below the quays, the mud has so silted up, that if it had consistency enough to bear, a person might walk from one bank to the other. Of course this
is entirely the result of the continued dry weather, the falling away in the quantities water in the upper stretches of the river and complete drying up of some of its tributaries. It is more remarkable at present than before as the Spring tides strip to such a great extent, and when they are now coming in they rush up headed by a (boar) at a rate that sweeps mud and everything else before them at a furious pace. During the first hour of the tide on Saturday and Sunday, the water must have risen nearly nine feet at the quays, but when it had fully ebbed again the beds and banks cleared as before. We read in an old history before us that as far back as 1667 Father Shannon conducted himself in a somewhat similar style and a poetic record in its pages says :-
“A drought excessive came, it was so great.
The Shannon from the city did retreat,
The Mayor and many more upon dry ground,
Outside the walls on foot did walk around”

There would be no difficulty in accomplishing this feat now, for as many years beyond the ambit which was then marked by ramparts, there is no water whatsoever. So little is there to oppose the incoming tide, that within the past week salt or brackish water ran right up to Sarsfield bridge ; and the same
old history tells us that this occurred in 1723 when “there was so little rain that year that salt water fish came up to the quay and ling was taken between the two towers” That was as far up as Thomond bridge. Sixty two years later than that the history in 1785 “The summer of this year was so remarkably dry
and warm there was scarcely any water in the Shannon between Baal’s Bridge and the new bridge, in which place numbers of eels, flat fish and salmon peale were taken by boys out of the bed of the river” But that was before the day of gas, for when they began to make it at Watergate and let the tar run in to the
stream they so poisoned its bed that all fish forsook it. The most serious results though are the accumulation of mud which the uprushes of the tide have left abreast of the quays. There are now some four feet of water on the sill of the Floating Dock, whilst outside the pier-head the mud has formed a bar right across to the north shore. It is hoped that the winter floods will sweep the hundreds of thousands of tons of mud away to the depths from whence it came, but to look at it now this seems scarcely possible. The Harbour Engineer calculates that some couple of millions of tons of mud have shifted up stream since the first of June. No doubt he is right, and it will require large outlays and hard work with the dredgers to get the channel back to its normal condition.
________________________

The Waterford and Limerick Railway Company held their half yearly meeting on yesterday at Waterford on which Sir James Spaight, Chairman presided. He was able to show a satisfactory state of affairs since last meeting……
It was a feather in the Chariman’s cap, that he was able to speak of the struggle with the Midland Company about the Ennis and Athenry line….
___________________________

We publish the programme for the military tournament to be held in the Market’s Fields in support of Barrington’s Hospital. The dates now fixed for the attractive display are Friday and Saturday, 16th and 17th September, the change being made in order not to interfere into the preparations for the Gaelic Sport. The military too, engaged in the exhibition have entered into the necessary practice for the different events in the warmest spirit, and are determined to make the entertainment one of the best of its kind. The grounds will be prepared for the occasion in the most satisfactory manner, and we anticipate large attendances, and good results for the hospital.

________________________

The next of the Market’s Trustees’ New Fairs will be held on Friday, 6th September. The most elaborate arrangements will be made for the accommodation of
sellers and buyers, in the extensive grounds……………..

________________________
Mr. Ryan of Robert Street, returns his sincere thanks to Mr. Murphy, M.P., for payment in full of his account for grates supplied to the West Clare
Railway…………

________________________
The “boar” came up with a rush on Monday, and drove one of the tug boats anchored in the Poel, from her moorings and into collision with the dredge boat.  No material damage occurred to either, and they swung clear as the tide rose. There was no-one on board the tug to look after her safety.

________________________

At Roxboro on Sunday the Hurling Tournament was continued.  In the match between the South Liberties and the Plan of Campaign Clubs, the former won by two goals to nil. In the match between the Treaty stone and Fedamore the former gained a victory by three goals and four points to two points and a forfeit point.

________________________
The Jesuit Fathers
The Provincial of Jesuits has sanctioned a number of changes in the missions of the fathers which have considerable interest for the citizens. It has been decided to form or rather restore the Missionary Society of the distinguished Order in Ireland, and so the following Rev. gentlemen have been appointed for that purpose, to reside at Miltown Park, Co. Dublin :
Rev. Father Ronan, Rev. Father Vincent Byrne, Rev. Father Naughton and Rev. Father O’Farrell. The two latter Rev. Gentlemen are natives of Limerick as our fellow citizens generally may know. Rev. Father Ronan so long associated with the Church of the Sacred heart in Limerick and the College at Mungret, for the improvement of which he undertook such an arduous but very successful mission in America, will be greatly missed in this City, where he has endeared himself to numbers of its residents. Rev. Father Hughes, S.J., (Cr)escent House, will replace father Ronan at Mungret; and father Daly and Father Flynn of
the Crescent also are removed, the first to Clongowes and the second to Galway College.
The important positions vacated by these gentlemen will be filled by Rev. Father Head, S.J., from Mungret College ; Rev. Fathre Fottrell, S.J., from St. Bueno’s, Wales ; and rev. Father Wheeler, S.J., from Miltown Park.

________________________

The Sacred Heart College
The College re-commences its scholastic business on Thursday, September 1st, when the students are expected to resume their work,……………

________________________

Augustinian Church
Sunday next, the 8th august, being the Feast of St. Augustine, the great Doctor of the Church will be a day of Special Devotion and plenary Indulgence in the
above Church…..

________________________

The panegyric of the Saint will be preached…..by the rev. T. Hammeraly, O.P.
Sermon in the evening by Rev. E.A. Selley, O.S.A., Cork.
Benediction : Most. Rev. Dr. O’Dwyer, Lord Bishop of Limerick.

________________________

September 4th being the Feast of our Mother of Consolation
Sermon: Rev. J. Locke, O.S.A., Rome.

________________________

Death of the Rev. P. O’Carroll, P.P., Croagh.
Again we have the duty of recording the death of one of the respected Priests of this
Diocese, in the person of the Rev. Patrick Carroll, .P.P., Croagh. The Rev. gentleman
was educated at Mayooth, and was since his ordination on the Limerick Mission. He has
been ailing for some time, but his death was not anticipated. He was connected with
some of the oldest and most respected Catholic families of this city and county, by whom
he was held in great affection, and by his parishioners and general acquaintances no
Clergyman could be held in higher respect. He was a zealous and self sacrificing Priest
– a most reliable guide in spiritual matters, and a safe adviser in temporal affairs.
He will be remembered by the poor of Limerick Union particularly with feelings of the
deepest gratitude for the devotion with which he exerted himself on their behalf, during
his connection as one of the Clergymen with the workhouse here. The Office and High
mass will be solemnized tomorrow (Thursday), 25th, inst., at Croagh Patrick Church, at
eleven o’clock.

________________________
The Osequies of the Late Rev. D. Quin, P.P.
The internment of the late Rev. Father Quin, P.P., took place on Monday at Kilcoleman
Church. The edifice was filled to suffocation by relatives and friends of the deceased
Clergyman, and the keenness of sorrow manifested shows how greatly he was regretted.
From some of the estates in the locality the tenantry came in bodies to the funeral to
manifest their sorrow for one of the best friends they had in the whole district, as his
services to the farmers were inestimable. The Lord Bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. O’Dwyer
presided at the Offices and High Mass. The very Rev. Father Mulqueen, P.P., V.F., was
celebrant at the Mass. Rev. Dr. Hallinan, C.C., Deacon ; Rev. M. McCarthy, C.C., Adare
Sub-Deacon ; Rev. J. McCoy, P.P., Bulgaden Master of Ceremonies.
Chanters: Rev. T.R. Shanahan, P.P., and Rev. J. Bourke, P.P. There were about sixty
Clergymen in the choir, including very Rev. Archdeacon Halpin, P.P., V.G. ; Very rev.
Dr. Hammond, P.P., V.G.
The chief mourners were : Rev. J. O’Shaughnessy, C.C. ; Mr. J. O’Shaughnessy, J.P.
nephews of deceased ; and Mr. P. Murray, J.P., first cousin. Amongst the general body
of the laity were Mr. John White, D.L. ; Mr. Robert Hunt, J.P. ; Captain O’Leary, Mr.
James Meade, Mr. Stephen Pegum, Glin ; Dr. Hayes, J.P., etc. etc.

________________________
New Steel Gates at the Docks
A very interesting and at the same time critical operation in connection with the Docks,
was successfully (…..t) through on the evening of Saturday and Monday last, vis. – the
removal of the old gates (which had been in use since 1852) and the fitting of the new
ones recently completed in the Graving Dock, and the work reflects the highest credit on
the Harbour Engineer (Mr. W. J. Hall, B.E.) under whose personal supervision it has been
carried on…………..
The old gates were built in their berths between two coffer dams, and could thus be
adjusted with the greatest accuracy. They took 14 months to complete and cost £5,520
and weighed 56 tons each. The present work will cost about £2,670. The Contractors are
essrs Cincaid & Co. of Greenock. The mechanical details of construction were arranged
by Mr. alex \b. Wilson, Constructing Engineer of Holywoo(?d). The Contractors are
represented by Mr. J. Millar who had the entire charge of the work while Mr. Thomas
Leech acted as Clerk of Works on behalf of Harbour Commissioners………

________________________
The Queen Street Houses were sold today at the Mart62 William Street, by Mr. Joseph P.
McNamara, Auctioneer, for £362 and fees to Mr. Buckley, Thomas Street.

________________________
Todd & Co., placed large orders with Irish Manufacturers for delivery in August and are
now showing the Goods in Great Varsity of Styles and Fabri(cs)
_____________________________

This Day’s Telegrams
Special Critical News & other telegrams to
The Munster News
Today

The Clare County demonstrations
Telegrams from Mr. Dillon, M.P.
From our Ennis correspondent
Ennis, Wednesday – the following telegram was received by the Secretary of the Ennis
Branch National league – from John Dillon, Dublin to Patrick McInerney, Ennis.
Must adjourn meeting to Sunday 4th September……….
It is expected to be one of the largest meetings ever in Clare.

________________________
Election of the O’Gorman-Mahon today
The O’Gorman-Mahon Nationalist was elected today without opposition for the County
Carlow.
___________________________________________________

Newcastle West National League
Special Meeting today
(special telegram)
The Newcastle West Barnch of the National League had a special meeting today. The very
Rev. Dr. Hamond, P.P., V.G., presided. It was resolved :- “That this branch having heard
that since their last meeting Mr. John Morrison’s farm at Farren has been grabbed by
parties who above all others should not injure Mr. Morrison, we condemn such a
proceeding as being the greatest defiance and insult to our national programme, at a
time with the league is in the throes of difficulty. We call on the neighbouring
branches to support Mr. Morrison in his present position”

________________________
Parliament
House of Commons Today

……….
Mr. Gladstone’s Motion
Mr. Gladstone read the terms of his motion asking the House to allow the proclaimation
against the National League to continue in force in the absence of Information
justifying it.

House of Commons – yesterday
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, replying to Mr. Cox, said that £5,000 assigned for the
encouragement of horse and cattle breeding in Ireland would be paid to the Royal Dublin
Society, whose show now being held at Ballsbridge was he was glad to say likely to be a
special success in consequence of the prospect of assistance to be given by the
Government.
Mr. Smith, replying to Mr. E. Robertson’s demand for the production of evidence on which
the Government had decided to proclaim the national League as a dangerous association,
said it was not the intention of the Government to lay on the table any further papers
on the subject.
……….

 

________________________

To be continued.

We have weekly copies from this newspaper up to 26th October, 1887 and extracts will be added to this page on a weekly basis.

.

Old Irish Newspaper Abstracts

We do have some old newspaper abstracts on this website (which can be found here) and I always remember one day as I was copying some material in the National Library in Dublin laughing to myself because life had not changed that much.  The bit I was transcribing was advising people to take their keys out of their front doors because thieves were just able to walk into houses.  The thing is, the paper had been published in the 1830’s, and then it was about 2006, and only that week my mother had begun to bring her car key into the house at night instead of leaving it sitting in the car.  My mother was a medical Doctor and getting called out at night was a regular thing so leaving her key in the car saved her the trouble of having to look for it when called out.


Ireland Old News – a newspaper site giving ‘abstracts’ from Old Irish Newspapers. Came across this website earlier today (I had forgotten it!)  and I am or was the 399248th visitor since the year 2000.

Ireland Old News

We tend to forget the things that so many people have done, especially in this day and age of advanced technology.  Many of you don’t remember the days when the Irish Census returns were not on the internet, many of you don’t know about the days when you had to go to the Irish Civil Records office to get the references for births, marriages and deaths.  Today, we can get those references if they exist on the internet (for the most part).  We all forget so easily about how it was so hard back then and about what we owe to the dedicated people who transcribed material and put it up on the net for the rest of us to see.

Ireland Old News contributors:
Cathy Joynt Labath who I believe did most of the transcribing and who created the website.
Jim McNamara (and I think he told me recently it was 1999 we first met) and
Brian Magaoidh who I am still in contact with.
Alison & Kathryn who I knew through lists.
Dennis Ahearne (RIP) who contributed so much to people researching their Irish ancestry.

Some examples of the earliest years covered for any county – extracts from other newspapers are included on the site, I’ve just taken the first extract for any county as an example.

The Armagh Guardian, Dec 3rd, 1844
Cavan Herald, July 14, 1818
Ennis Chronicle (Co. Clare), 1793
Corke Journal, 1756
Londonderry Journal (Derry) 1772
Ballyshannon Herald 1832 (Donegal)
Dublin 1705
The Enniskillen Chronicle & Erne Packet 1813 (Fermanagh) Connaught Journal, Galway 1823
The Kerry Examiner, 1847
The Kildare Observer 1915
The Kilkenny Independent 1826
The Leitrim Journal & Carrick-on-Shannon Advertiser 1868 The Limerick Chronicle 1769
The Drogheda Conservative, or Meath, Louth, Monaghan and Cavan Advertser 1837
The Ballina Chronicle, 1849 (Mayo)
The Meath Chronicle 1899
The Northern Standard, & Monaghan, Cavan and Armagh Advertiser 1839
The Midland Tribune, 1901 (Offaly/King’s Co.)
Roscommon & Leitrim Gazette,, 1822
Sligo Champion, 1887
The Clonmel Advertiser, 1818 (Tipperary)
The Strabane Morning Post, 1812 (Tyrone)
Jackson’s Oxford Journal 1804 (Waterford)
Belfast Newsletter (Antrim & Down) 1749
The Bray & South Dublin Herald, 1916 (Wicklow)
The Newry Commercial Telegraph, 1813 (Co. Down)

.

Irish National League: City and Cappamore Branches, 1887

Irish National League
Branch Meetings
City branch
Mr. Henry O’Shea, V.P., presided at the City Branch on Thursday night. The Chairman condemned the Coercion Bill proposed by the Government. Mr. Keating proposed and Mr. Anglim T.C., seconded – that Mr. T. Mason Stewart be elected member. Mr. Stewart returned thanks, and said he was indured to enter the National League because of Mr. Balfour’s unbelief in the existence of Protestant Home Rulers outside Parliament. Mr. O’H. Lawlor proposed the following resolution : “That we heartily condemn the action of Judge Boyd in committing the Rev. Father Ryan, C.C., Herbertstown to Kilmainham Gaol for refusing to disclose matters confided to him in his capacity as a Priest of the Catholic Church ; that we look on this conduct as the grossed and most contemptible tyranny, and we believe such a power was never contemplated by the Bankruptcy Laws, and it tends to bring that court into the greatest contempt ; and that we convey to Father Ryan our deepest sympathy in his prison cell, and feel sure that he will be comforted in his suffering by the knowledge that he has earned the gratitude and esteem of the Irish race at home and abroad in his noble and patriotic endeavour to shield the oppressed and rack rented people of his parish.”
Mr. David Begley, TC., seconded the resolution and it was adopted unanimously.
Mr. Keating proposed “That we in future give no work to priest hunting Carmen who drove police to Hospital for the purpose of arresting Father Ryan, and that we call on other branches of the League to expel persons who have been guilty of such misconduct.” He subsequently deferred its consideration to next meeting, at the insistence of the Chairman.


Irish National League.
Cappamore Branch
Rev. E. Hogan, C.C., presiding. The Rev. President and members of he Committee met to consider the sale of Mr. martin Ryan’s farm at Towerhill, but owing to the death of the lamented pastor, Rev. P. Cleary, the committee adjourned the meeting till next Sunday. Proposed by Mr. P. Walsh, P.L.G., and seconded by Mr. Thomas Meagher: “That we hereby offer our heartfelt condolence to the friends and relations of Father Cleary, P.P., who was a truly pious Priest, and a wise counselor to his flock, and was dearly beloved by them.” The large congregation that assembled in the church on the day of his internment was a full testimony of this. The Secretary was directed to send copies of the resoltion to his friends.
Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

Irish National League.
Shanagolden Branch
Meeting for electing officers and committee. Mr. D. J. Hishon, Central Branch, conducted the election by ballot. The result was as follows:
Very Rev. J. Mulqueen, P.P., VF., President
Rev. T. O. Kelly, C.C., Treasurer
E.J. O’Sullivan, Hon Sec.
Committee
Messrs. William O’rien, PLG
L’ OBrien PLG
P. Madigan, PLG
William Hishon, junr.
J. Creaghan
W. Larner
M. Gearon
M. O’Connor
E. Eyre
M. Creaghan
T. ENright
T. Cahill
P. Murray
M. Leahy
J. O’Reilly
Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.

Irish National League: Carrickerry and Shanagolden Branches, 1887

Irish National League.
Shanagolden Branch


Meeting for electing officers and committee. Mr. D. J. Hishon, Central Branch, conducted the election by ballot. The result was as follows:
Very Rev. J. Mulqueen, P.P., VF., President
Rev. T. O. Kelly, C.C., Treasurer
E.J. O’Sullivan, Hon Sec.
Committee
Messrs. William O’rien, PLG
L’ OBrien PLG
P. Madigan, PLG
William Hishon, junr.
J. Creaghan
W. Larner
M. Gearon
M. O’Connor
E. Eyre
M. Creaghan
T. Enright
T. Cahill
P. Murray
M. Leahy
J. O’Reilly

Irish National League.
Carrickerry Branch
The Rev. J. Ambrose presided. The case of Maurice Culhane whose cattle were seized on by his landlord, was considered, when it was proposed by Denis Lynch and seconded by Denis Liston ; “That having considered the case of Mrs. Widow T. Culhane and her treatment at the hands of her landlords, Mr. Alexander Tallis Yielding and Mrs. Hugh Yielding (the wife of Mr. Hugh E. Yielding of Newpark, Croagh, in the county of Limerick), we respectfully ask the committee of the Kilcoman branch of the League to afford us an opportunity for a consultation with a view to bringing public opinion to bear upon the landlords for their action in accumulating costs to the amount of £18 upon a rent of £25, in seizing only £50 or £60 worth of cattle to satisfy same.”
“That the Rev. Chairman be deputed to communicate with the Kilcolman branch to arrange time and place of proposed conference which he very kindly consented to do”
Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.

Gaelic Athletic Association, Football, 1887

Football:
Thomas Davis Football Club, Ennis V. Cratloe, Newmarket on Fergus Football Club, a bye at Ennis on Sunday, May 1st.


Second Ties:
East Clare at Tulla, on Sunday 8th
West Clare at Ruan, on Sunday May 15th
Ennis at Crusheen, on Sunday May 22nd
Final Ties at Ennis, on Sunday June 5th.

The following resolutions were put from the chair and unanimously adopted :
“1st – that we the members of the County Committee G.A.A., recommend the several branches of the Association in the county, to arrange as far as possible amongst themselves branches of Temperance Associations, as we believe that habits of intemperance are fatal to the development of the athletic powers of the people. And also that the revenue derived by the Government from the sale of intoxicating drink would be better spent in developing the resources of the country, a consummation of which the G.A.A. in the county, to arrange as far as possible amongst themselves branches of Temperance Associations, as we believe that habits of intemperance are fatal to the development of the athletic powers of the people. And also that the revenue derived by the Government from the sale of intoxicating drink would be better spent in developing the resources of the country, a consummation of which the G.A.A., have in view. “
“2nd – That we request that these clubs throughout the country who have not yet been affililated to lose no time in doing so as the time for entering the County Championships has been extended to the 15th April, in order to give those clubs an opportunity of affiliating and competing.”
3rd “That we call upon the affiliated clubs of the country to decline in competing with non affiliated ones after the 15th of April next, under pain of expulsion from the G.A.A.”

Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.

Gaelic Athletic Association, April 1887

Gaelic Athletic Association
A meeting of the Clare Co. Committee was held at the Town Hall, Ennis, on Sunday, March 27th, Mr. Edward Bennett in the chair. Also present – The O’Donnellon Blake Foster, Mr. J. Moran, Mr. P. McInerney and Mr. P. Ahern, Hon Sec. At the suggestion of the Chairman it was decided to divide the clubs entered for the County Championship in divisions, in order not to bring two teams too great a distance to meet each other. There were 25 entries, 22 for hurling and 3 for football, which were drawn as follows:
“East Clare” :
O’Gonneloe 1st team, v. Scariff Independent H.C.
O’Gonnelloe 2nd team v. Robert Emmet Branch (Tulla)
Smith O’Brien Branch (Killaloe) v. Daniel O’Connell Branch (Feakle)
Wolfe Tone Branch (Bodyke) v. Glenoniera
To hurl at Scariff on Sunday April 17th.


“West Clare”
Kilkeedy v. Ruan
William O’Brien Branch (Killamona) v. Fionn mac Cumhaille Branch (Kilfenora)
Rath and Kilnaboy v. Canon
To hurl at Corofin April 24th.

Ennis District:
Crusheen v. Davitt Branch, Inch
A. M. Sullivan’s Branch, Ennis v. Barefield
B. Thomas Davis branch, Ennis v. Wolfe Tone branch, Kilmaley
C. Leamb Deargaboo branch, Dysart v. Drumquin
D. To hurl at Ennis, on Sunday May 1st.

Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.

Limerick Amateur, Athletic and Bicycle Club, 1887

Limerick Amateur, Athletic and Bicycle Club
The annual general meeting was held on Monday evening, March 28th, at the Fire Station. The meeting was very large and influential. The annual report read showed the club to be in a sound position, and their sports justly popular. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
President: Alexander W. Shaw, J.P. ;
Vice-Presidents : R. De Ros Rose, J.P. ; Wyndham Gabbett, J.P. ; A. Murray, C. B. Barrington, J.P. ; M. E. Conway, J. Matterson, J.P. ; R. Fry.
Hon Treasurer : W. L. Stokes.
Capt Bicycle Club C. O’Connell
Hon Secretary: W. E. Frost.
Committee: Messrs. C. H. Gubbins, McNamara, Meade, Sterling, McAdam, B. Murray, Rowland, King, T. Ewart, Tidmarsh.
The annual ports were fixed to take place on or about June 6th.


Football
The Star and Shannon Rugby Football Clubs have played off for premiership in a field off Farranshone. The match when decided – as a dispute arose during its progress, will finish the Rugby junior club contests, which went on weekly during the past four or five weeks. The two clubs named have had drawn matches on two occasions, and the result was looked forward to with much interest on Sunday last. The Star were evidently in best form, and played finely throughout, but the spirited opposition of the Shannonites did not permit of any marked play. A try was gained for the Star by O’Shea, but it was disputed owing to his having touched a spectator when passing in to ground the ball. For the Shannon club, Fitzgibbon subsequently gained a try very cleverly, off which a goal was kicked just as time was called. The dispute was referred to the committee of management.

Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.

The Labourer’s Act and Management of Dr. Wilkinson’s Property

The Labourer’s Act
Regarding the application received for the amount of the expenses connected with the enquiry recently held under the Labourer’s Act, the alleged exorbitance of the charge was strongly commented on by the Guardians, particularly the amount claimed by the shorthand writer, £59.10s.10d.
Mr. O’Conor said the Board did not ask shorthand writers to be present.
Mr. Casey – What value did he give us? None.
Mr. Pigott : It seems the Local Government Board Inspector could not do without a shorthand writer.
A Guardian: I think in cases like that, a local shorthand writer ought to be employed. I don’t see why they should be going for strangers, while there are plenty of capable writers in Limerick.
The Board soon afterwards adjourned.
Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887


Rev. J. Ryan CC., and Mr. C. Keays.
To the Editor of the Munster News,
Murroe, Limerick, March 28, 1887
Dear Sir,
I notice a letter over the signature of “Christopher Keays, of Brittas, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick.” This gentleman refers to me in my capacity of chairman of a meeting held at Murroe to consider certain allegations connecting Mr. Keays with the management of Dr. Wilkinson’s property in the parish of Boher. I do not wish to occupy your valuable space by local quarrels ; but you will kindly allow me a reply, as there is a very grave reason for it, inasmuch as a harsh and tyrannical landlord is about oppressing with all the convenient Government appliances an honest, industrious, but rack-rented tenant – Mr. j. Humphreys. Now, some time ago Mr. Humphreys met with Mr. Keays at my house, and the difference between them was fully discussed. It was then decided to leave the matter to the consideration of the local branch of eh I.N.L., at an early date. Being impartial, as I take it, between both parties, I, at Mr. Keays desire, consented to preside on the occasion. The matter was patiently discussed for nearly three hours, and with only one dissident, the committee without any particular direction from me, came to the conclusion that Mr. Keays was connected with the management of Dr. Wilkinson’s property. And now, for the principle. This Dr. Wilkinson resides at present at Cloughton, Scarborough, Yorkshire. It appears that last year, Mr. Humphreys was served with a writ, the outcome being that the sheriff received the rent less 25 per cent. In the present proceedings, Dr. Wilkinson requires the full rent and also the 25%, allowed by the Sheriff. This is the same Dr. Wilkinson who corresponding on this subject in answer to a respected Rev. gentleman who inferred with a view of a settlement, and asked to have the law proceedings withdrawn, writes: “ I beg to state I will not ; preferring as I do to be a loser than samely submit to the machinations of a widespread conspiracy organized to swindle men out of their just dues. “ Later on, he adds “I am determined as long as I have power, and it will give me greater pleasure to thus battle for my inheritance than, craven-like, flee from a monster so vile and insatiable as that which now stalks through the country – I refer to the Plan of campaign as it is so glibly termed.” This precious document rather humourously winds up by stating that “to keep the fair fame of our country ought to be the duty of every Irishman” This same landlord demanded a half year’s rent due on last November, and because it was not forthcoming on the 1st December, Mr. Humphries digestion was improved by an attorney’s letter on the 2nd. As chairman of the meeting in question, I decline to say no what ground the committee came to their decision, or to state what occurred thereat. I can only say I acted impartially. Mr. Keays cousin and the only dissentient from the resolution arrived at, can testify to this. It does not concern me whether Mr. Keays speaks to his brother in law, Dr. Wilkinson, or not, but it was proved that the former transacted business for the latter later than three years ago. In conclusion I have only to say, let Dr. Wilkinson do his worst, he will find that the fine old pluck of Murroe, though by some thought dead, is nevertheless alive and active, and with perseverance and patience will teach our medical maligners over the water, and other maligners patriotism and pointing out “the duty of every true Irishman,” that they at the same time cannot grind down and oppress the tenantry on whose labour and toil they live.
I remain, dear Editor, Yours, &c.,
James Ryan C.C.
Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.

Labourer’s Rent, Rate Collection, Rathkeale, 1887

Rents of Labourer’s Cottages


The Clerk reported that there were some arrears on the rents of labourer’s cottages, generally from one to five weeks, but there are about 12 weeks due on one woman in Iverus, whose uhsband had died. He wished to know would there be proceedings taken against her.
Mr.Naughton said that the woman in question was very poor and had a large family.
Mr. Hewson thought the rule they had made could not be broken. The money had been given them to provide house for the labourers and he thought it their duty to see that the rent was collected. It was agreed to adhere to their usual rule of proceeding against any tenant who owed more than four weeks rent.

Unsatisfactory State of the Rate Collection

The Clerk drew the attention of the Board to the state of the rate collection, which he described as being in a most unsatisfactory condition. As the time would expire in a very short time, there were very many reasons why the rates should be collected. In the first place they were in debt and they could not pay all their bills today. This was the first time they could not meet their liabilities. The Treasurer he believed, would honour their cheques to the extent of four or five hundred pounds., but there were some £500 more
which could not be paid for the present. The collectors had been requested to have a sum collected, but apparently they had disregarded the order of the board.

Mr. Maunsell: How much is outstanding?
The Clerk: There are £4,000 outstanding.
Mr. Hewson: I think the collectors are running about the country in a way I never saw them before.
The Clerk : I think they ought to do much more than they have done.
Mr. Switzer: There are plenty fellows now swaggering around and paying nothing at all, and I don’t see why those fellows should be swaggering around while we pay the rates.
The Clerk : The collectors ought to be requested to collect the rates.
A Guardian said that the people would be better able to pay in a month’s time.
Mr. hewson said he would be in favour of not issuing cheques to these people to whome they owed money, and who were not pressing for payment. Everybody had to wait for money now, and h did no t see why the people there , any of them who could afford to wait, should not wait for a fortnight or a month instead of pressing the ratepayers as they were doing. He would rather do that than increase their indebtedness to the bank.
Mr. Maunsell: I think pressure ought to be put on the collectors.
Mr. Switzer: Of course we are supposed to represent the people in a certain sense, as elected Guardians from the people themselves. Now, there are some of those you know who won’t pay any rates. They are schemers, don’t you see – they will do nothing, and when we represent them I don’t see why we should not compel them to be equal to every other honest man.
The Chairman : How is it they are not compelled to pay rates?
Mr. Switzer: That is what I want to come to. They won’t pay anything. I am full sure that many of them are able to pay, and hey swagger around and won’t pay.
Mr. Hewson said that the persons referred to, though they might have plenty of money in their pockets, might not at the same time possess any goods capable of being seized in satisfaction for the rates.
Mr. Switzer; But idlers and schemers won’t pay anything.
Mr. Maunsell: Are you going to bring any pressure to bear on the collectors?
The Clerk said he had made an order urgently requesting them to collect the outstanding rates.

Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.

Rathkeale Union, The Labourer’s Act, 1887

The Labourer’s Act


Regarding the application received for the amount of the expenses connected with the enquiry recently held under the Labourer’s Act, the alleged exorbitance of the charge was strongly commented on by the Guardians, particularly the amount claimed by the shorthand writer, £59.10s.10d.
Mr. O’Conor said the Board did not ask shorthand writers to be present.
Mr. Casey – What value did he give us? None.
Mr. Pigott : It seems the Local Government Board Inspector could not do without a shorthand writer.
A Guardian: I think in cases like that, a local shorthand writer ought to be employed. I don’t see why they should be going for strangers, while there are plenty of capable writers in Limerick.
The Board soon afterwards adjourned.
Taken from “The Munster News and Limerick and Clare Advocate”,
April 2, 1887

.