First sign of emergence of Cork Middle Class, Offer in April 1762 of £200 for apprehension of Leader of the ‘Levellers’, individuals names. Also list of Grand Jury and agents April 1765. This is from John T. Collins, Newspaper Extracts. He says this was the first time the Catholics emerged from the shadows of the Penal Laws. It was hazardous to come out against the Levellers. The listing names the prominent Catholics in the city at the time.

The administrative affairs of Co. Cork was run by the Grand Jury 23 in number a self perpetuating clique. It was not until the County Councils came into being in the 1890s that a democratic administration was put in place.