HC Deb 03 March 1884 vol 285 c340
MR. SHEIL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, on January 6th 1884, Constable Galligan, accompanied by two men, forced his way into the house of Mrs. Rodgers, of Carlanstown, county Meath, where a few young people were at tea; whether the names of all present were taken by the constable; whether he ordered them to disperse within five minutes, under pain of being arrested; what charge was made against these people; and, whether the constable's conduct meets with the approval of Her Majesty's Government in Ireland?

MR. TREVELYAN

The constables did not force their way into the house. They were admitted without delay when they knocked at the door. They found no young people at tea, but a company of 10 men, all known to the police, and most of them suspicious characters, and two girls. They were not ordered to disperse. No threat of arrest was made, and no charge was made against the people. Two of the men were requested to go home, which they did. The police had reason to believe that it was intended to hold an illegal meeting, under cover of a dance.