On the 14th Dec last the fishing boats of the fishermen of Currane Achill. Were seized by Irish Free State Forces and removed to Westport Quay where they have been retained since.
Complaint has reached us that the fishermen thus deprived of the means of earning a livelihood are in a very bad state and the District Councillor of the division at Westport Workhouse on Thursday to apply that out-door relief be provided for them.
It seems strange that the boats should be retained so long. Their condition has not improved by the lying up atWestport Quay and quite possible some of those boats are now almost worthless.
We trust this matter may receive attention from those in a position to deal with it. The loss of boats in this the cod fishing season is a very serious loss to those poor fisherman.
This report was taken from the Mayo News of March 10th 1923.
Our research tells us that the Free State Army or Black in Tans seized eight boats from Clochan and some older people remember that day and remember seeing the boats going over to Westport one after the other.
The boats seized were. Michael Sheans Michael Jims Michael the Tailors Pat Liams
Michael Phatch Mhor. James Mauds, Pat Mhiceals.
The boats were returned and £8. Compensation paid to the Fishermen.