All of these lived in good comfortable houses, and were prosperous dairy-farmers.

Why were they evicted?
In October 1886, during the candidacy at New York of the Land Reformer, Mr.George, Mr.Dillon, M.P., propounded the "Plan of Campaign" at Portumna in Galway.

The March rents being then due on the estate of The O'Grady in Limerick, his agent, Mr.Shine, was directed to continue the abatements of 15 per cent, on the judicial rents, and of 25 per cent, on all other rents, which had been cheerfully accepted in 1885.

But there was a priest at Kilballyowen, Father Ryan, who wrought upon the tenants until they demanded a general abatement of 40 per cent.

This being refused, they asked for 30 per cent.