HC Deb 23 July 1918 vol 108 cc1617-8
9. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 14th July the annual aeridhacht at Glenbeigh, county Kerry, was cancelled owing to the Proclamation, but that a number of visitors arriving, unaware of this, went to picnic on the seashore and about three dozen there engaged in singing well-known Gaelic songs, but the police quickly brought fifty soldiers who drove the whole party from the seashore, prevented any further singing, and struck persons with their rifles; whether these soldiers acted under military command; and, if not, whether commanding officers in Ireland will be instructed not to assist the police on trivial occasions or without real necessity?

Mr. MACPHERSON

A meeting was advertised to take place at Glenbeigh, county Kerry, on the 14th instant. This was forbidden, and no meeting took place at Glenbeigh, but certain persons attempted to hold one at Rossbeigh about one and a-half miles distant. This was dispersed without any force being used. Subsequently further crowds collected, and, as they did not disperse after being warned by the police, the police and military dispersed them. There was no charge of any kind, but in certain cases the men who refused to move were pushed with the butt ends of rifles, but this was the only instance. No songs were heard. The military present were under their own commanding officer.

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