born great we don’t know, but one thing is certain, and that is, he has acquired greatness.  And when I say so, I wish it to be distinctly understood that I am not talking idly or glibly, but with all the sincerity of my heart.  With the same sincerity that has characterised all my actions since I was first called to the Bar, and made of me what I am to-day.  With the same sincerity that characterises every successful member of the legal profession, be he Irish, Scotch, or American.  Let critics say what they will, but the fact remains that success is the best answer to adverse criticism.  A man’s true worth may not always be appreciated in a cold and heartless world like ours, but there will ever be found a few who can always sympathise with us in our sorrows and rejoice with us in our triumphs.  And Mr. O’Crowley has the rare gift which enables him to do both. (Applause) He is a man of large and noble ideals, of sterling qualities and knows human nature in all its many phases.  He knows the wants of the people and what’s more, he knows how to satisfy them.  He would not allow any man’s light to be hidden under a bushel, so to speak, and why should we allow the bushel to bide his? (Applause) Let credit be given where credit is due, was ever his motto.  And only one month has elapsed since he said to me, after defending his own brother on a breach of the Sunday Closing Act in this very courthouse, “My heartiest thanks and warmest congratulations for your splendid victory.  There isn’t another man in the whole country, not even Tim Healy himself, who could win that case.”

SERGEANT HEALY On behalf of the Royal Irish Constabulary, I wish to be associated with the hearty and unanimous welcome extended to Mr. O’Crowley, whom I have known since the first night I came to the town.  And my only regret is that I did not know him before, because men with his rare traits of character are not to be met with every day.  His genial and kindly disposition has endeared him to us all.  His doors are never closed on either Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Day, or any other day.  Friend or foe, stranger or native of Ballybraggan, are all the same to Mr. O’Crowley.  Each and every one is received with the same hearty welcome.  He is a man whom we think of in our hours of suffering, whether it be on the scorching heat of a summer’s day or the blighting cold of a winter’s night.  It is my earnest wish, and I am sure that I am only expressing the sentiments of the whole of Munster, that the success which has attended Mr. O’Crowley in all the ventures of his useful life will be doubled in his capacity as Justice of the Peace. (Applause)