[ note added by Michael Purcell 2013 --- abbreviated extract of Session held to determine if Simon Hennessy of Grangeforth, Michael Nolan of Grangeforth and Pat Byrne of Ballytarsna, County Carlow, own lands worth over a certain amount and therefore are entitled to hold a franchise to vote. Here Thomas Bunbury, John Clowry and Joseph Malone deliver evidence. ] Carlow Sentinel. April 1835. The Sessions was well attended by the gentry Conservatives. The Radicals ( agitators ) had their witnesses in training to swear each other into the franchise . Mr Hayes, Barrister, attended specially on the part of the Conservatives and Mr Berwick, Barrister, attended on the part of the Radical agitators. The Chairman was Samuel Robinson," he was greeted by several gentlemen on this his first appearance in Carlow in his official capacity, and from his courteous demeanour, urbanity of manners, and experience as a lawyer, will we have no doubt, give general satisfaction". Simon Hennessy of Grangeforth, applied for franchise to vote, stated he was the tenant of James Hardy Eustace, Esquire, and held 28 acres of land at Grangeforth he swore the land was worth 46 shillings per acre. John Nolan swore it was worth this sum per acre, in answer to Mr Hayes, John Nolan stated he held no land but that he was purely a volunteer to serve his neighbours, and held them obtain a franchise. Another witness, Michael Nolan, a Tailor, who held but four acres of land swore that Hennessy's farm was worth £10. Mr Hayes asked - how much rent does Hennessy pay ?, Nolan replied - I can't tell. Mr Hayes then challenged him asking -- How can you swear it is worth £10 if you don't know that ?. This Witness was turned away. The next witness was Mr Thomas Bunbury he was examined by Mr Berwick. In evidence Thomas Bunbury stated that he was positive that Hennessy made £20 a year over the rent expenditure of his farm because he is a very industrious man. Mr Hayes -- How much rent does he pay ? Mr Bunbury -- I can't immediately say. Mr Hayes -- Then how can you answer Mr Berwick's question so flippantly ?. [ further questioning by Mr Hayes discredited Mr Bunbury's evidence ]. Mr Joseph Malone was examined as to the value of Hennessy's farm, and in his role as being High Constable of the Barony, was well acquainted with the land -- Mr Malone stated that the utmost value any person could set upon the lands was 40 shillings per acre. Mr P. Mosse was next witness and as Tithe Commissioner he agreed with Mr Malone's assessment of 40 shillings. The application by Simon Hennessy was dismissed. Michael Nolan of Grangeforth next applied for franchise to vote, stating he was the owner of a thatched cabin and four acres at Grangeforth, he swore the land was worth £4 per acre. A host of witnesses swore point blank to this fact. Mr Hayes asked Nolan --- Do you have any other witnesses as to the value ?. Michael Nolan replied -- " Oh yes , Mr Bunbury" -- ( Loud laughter ). The Sessions immediately rejected Nolan's claim. Pat Byrne of Ballytarsna, was next called, he swore his land was worth 46 shillings per acre. John Clowry, one of the leading valuators for the agitators, said the land was worth 48 shillings per acre. Mr Clowry underwent a severe cross-examination by Mr Hayes. Henry Faulkiner, Esquire, stated that Brynes land was rocky and said it was worth no more than 40 shillings per acre. The application by Pat Byrne was dismissed.