3-071-088 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the new Irish Land Court in Connaught: Under Police Protection - a sketch at the Claremorris Court-house by our special artist, 1881. 'The courthouse, which is a moderate-sized building, was crowded to excess by tenants of the ordinary class, and they showed the liveliest interest in what was going on. They listened with marked attention and increasing approval while Mr. M'Carthy explained the object and scope of the Act, and stated the spirit in which the Commissioners proposed to administer it...The audience also included Miss Gardiner, whose courageous conduct in keeping at bay with a revolver in the streets of Ballina a furious mob by which she was attacked attracted a good deal of attention some time ago. There were two policemen in the body of the court, who appeared to be an escort for her protection; she was accompanied by another lady, as her land-agent'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.