SOURCE: THE CONNACHT TRIBUNE 24TH DECEMBER 1909

On last Monday morning nearly,

Messers. Nolan and O’Reilly,

Had all their armed forces,

To swear upon their oath

O’Reillys claim was water

And Dick Nolan called it slaughter

While sir Acheson MacCullagh had to listen to them both.

When O’Reilly was examined and asked about a scheme,

He mentioned gravitation and had it like a rhyme,

But on cross examination by solicitor Dan,

He said his engineering skill was but very thin.

Another man came forward. a contractor of fame,

And when asked about the water,

He said it was a shame,

Especially when temperance was making such a pace,

Not to give them pure water,

Was a crime and a disgrace.

Many others testified as to they taught,

And all agreed, from Maddens well the water should be brought,

Amongst them being Tom Clancy who complained of the sewer,

Who said his health was failing, and could not stand much more.

After much persuasion R.P. Nolan took the seat,

And at times his contradiction looked very much like fight,

He said he was a DC for upwards of ten years,

And in that time the water never caused him fears,

But if some wealthy gentleman would bestow a goodly sum,

The water it was wanted and surely would come.

He knew it was essential and almost did admit,

But what was more important he might also lose his seat,

He knew his staunch supporters from the country were there,

And on cross examination was trembling with fear.