Limerick city s Night Watch: Historian Dr Tadhg Moloney tells the sad tale of Constable John O’Brien
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THE clash between different political loyalties and class interests at local level comes across in the controversy involving the Limerick City Night Watch between 1915 and 1923.
The night watch was a body established in 1843 and authorised by Limerick Corporation to deter criminal activity, provide law enforcement, and ensure public safety, from 8pm in winter and at 9pm in summer, complimenting the Royal Irish Constabulary when they were not available.
The controversy centred on one Night Watch Constable, thirty-nine year old John O Brien, who on July 23 1915 re-joined the British army, having previously served prior to the Second Boer War (1899-1902).