BALLINA CHRONICLE Ballina, Mayo, Ireland Wednesday, May 1, 1850 CITY POLICE COURT THE FAIRIES - At the city Limerick Police court on Thursday, a lad named Cornelius Hennessey, arrested as a vagrant, told the presiding Magistrate he had been for some time with the fairies! Magistrate - Who are the fairies? Prisoner - The "good people," whose souls the Almighty lets live upon earth, though their bodies are buried - they took me away from my father's house, and in a hurling match they broke my leg. - (laughter) A Policeman - Though young that lad is, your worship, he is most incorrigible - breaks window glass and plunders bread-shops - he has a name for every day of the week. Magistrate - If I let you off will you go back to your father? How can I, sir? sure there is a fairy at home at my place, and my father thinks he is his son; as he says he don't know me (great laughter). Magistrate - I'll send you back to the "good people" so (a laugh). Prisoner - I wouldn't know where to find them now, sir (much laughter). Magistrate - I believe not, but you shan't put a finger in my eye. You are a regular juvenile trickster, and I'll punish you. Prisoner - I am satisfied if it is by giving me enough to eat, your honour (roars of laughter). Magistrate - I sentence you to 21 days imprisonment, at hard labour on the treadmill. Prisoner - Very will, sir, I used to practice a little that way with the fairies (loud laughter) - When you go to them that you may break your shins on the treadmill (immoderate laughter). The delinquent was then committed. Cornelius O'Donnell and Wm. Craven were sentenced to 21 days' imprisonment and to be whipped, for stealing lead; Partrick Gleeson and Patrick Downy, for stealing hay, like rule.---Limerick Chronicle. Cathy Joynt Labath Ireland Old News http://www.IrelandOldNews.com/