Sir—Might I respond to Rayner Lysaght’s latest critique (HI 27.4, May/June 2019, Letters) of my article ‘Was the War of Independence necessary?’ (HI 27.1, Jan./Feb. 2019)? As it was a ‘What if?’ article about alternative strategies for securing independence, it achieved its objective in prompting some debate. One hardy perennial to emerge was the old … Read more
Sir,—Following the article celebrating the philanthropic actions of Sir Paul Strzelecki during the Famine (HI 27.3, May/June 2019), it might be noted that his generosity was recognised on an earlier occasion. Strzelecki (1797–1873) was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London. During the Second World War the area was bombed and his grave was blown … Read more
Sir,—Mary Kenny having eloquently deconstructed for us some of what didn’t work with the TV documentary Rome v. Republic (HI 27.4, July/August 2019, ‘Seen on TV’), mostly from a twentieth-century perspective, may a historian of the 1790s now point to some missed opportunities? The documentary framed some compelling questions but offered us only partial answers … Read more
A chara,—Seán Mac Mathúna (1876–1949) of Luogh, Doolin, Co. Clare, collected folklore during the 1930s and 1940s. Seán was also known as Johnny (Mháirtín) McMahon to his neighbours and friends. He was a meticulous collector who assembled one of the finest regional archives held in the National Folklore Collection. I hope to publish a selection … Read more
Sir,—In relation to my letter (HI 27.4, July/August 2019), may I offer some new evidence that Augustino de Cruce should not be regarded as the ‘progenitor’ of the Cruise family in Ireland. Your columnist Fiona Fitzsimons bases her evidence on Augustino witnessing a grant from Strongbow c. 1176, recorded in the Register of the Abbey … Read more