The Poteen was needed for making bread - A Novel Plea!

SVP in Athenry and Galway

Dr. Davis's Pills for Women

‘NOVEL PLEA

“Poteen Wash” for Making Bread

At Derrynea monthly Petty Sessions before Mr J. B. K. Hill, R.M., James Gorman was summoned for cruelty to a horse.  Acting-Sergeant Walsh stated he found defendant’s servant using the animal under a car while it was suffering from a large wound on its side, caused by the shaft coming in contact with it.  Fined 5s.

At the suit of Constable Lavelle, Michael Connoeely, Spiddal, was fined 1s and 5s 8d costs for not having proper control over his horse and cart, which bolted at the noise of a motor and ran into another car.

Mr Neylon, D.I., charged Myles McDonagh (Andy) and his wife, of Kearaunbeg, with the unlawful possession of illicit spirits.  Acting-Sergeant Walsh told the Court he searched defendant’s house and found on Mrs McDonagh a five-naggin bottle of “poteen.”  Defendant pleaded guilty, saying his wife had the poteen as a “treat” for some friends on “patron” day.  Fined £6.

Bartley O’Donnell, charged with a like offence, was fined a similar amount.  Acting-Sergeant Walsh said he found a jug containing 1½ qt. of poteen in defendant’s house.  Defendant and his wife, who gave their evidence in Irish, through an interpreter stated the liquid in question was a preparation for making bread, being a substitute for milk owing to the scarcity of the latter commodity.  The R.M. … the plea, saying he had a good knowledge of poteen was, and he agreed with the evidence of the Sergeant that the wash produced was, on examination, illicit wash.  Defendant was fined £6.’

From the Galway Express, 16 December 1916
‘On Sunday a meeting of the members of the Galway and Athenry Conferences of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in common was held in the Town Hall.  Most Rev. Dr. O’Dea, Lord Bishop of Galway, presided, and two distinguished members of the Superior Council, Dublin, were present.  After the usual formalities a paper was read dealing with the need of visiting the poor and of fostering special works in the town.  The Spiritual Directors of the four Conferences (Very Rev. Fathers Davis, Lally, Considine and Daly) addressed members briefly and some of the members discussed the paper.  It was decided to form a Particular Council in order to bring the Conferences into closer touch with each other for united action, and a President of the new Particular Council was appointed.  The Particular Council has been formed mainly to provide coal and milk supplies for the poor and sick, and in other ways deal with the question of infant mortality in the city.  It will also try to provide recreation rooms for sailors at the Docks.  Other works will be taken up as required.  Funds are urgently needed, and may be sent to the Manager of the National Bank, to be lodged to the credit of the Particular Council.’

From the Galway Express, 16 December 1916

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