Sir,—It is amazing to see any reference to the Irish Bulletin in this ‘decade of centenaries’, despite its being probably the most important source of contemporary information for the years 1919–1921. Consequently, may I commend Joseph E.A. Connell (HI 28.3, May/June 2020) for mentioning it in his piece on the Listowel RIC mutiny? It was … Read more
Sir,—The motivation of the small number of English soldiers involved in the mutiny of the Connaught Rangers in India presents even more complex questions than the motivation of the Irish soldiers (HI 28.3, May/June 2020, ‘The second funeral of James Daly’ by John Gibney). John Miranda, whose name follows those of James Daly, Peter Sears … Read more
Sir,—I read the article by Sheila Ahern in your last edition (HI 28.3, May/June 2020, Platform). She seems to be very concerned with the Retention of Records Bill presented to the Dáil in April 2019. Her opinion is that the information in these records is of great significance in understanding this ‘dark period in our … Read more
Sir,—With reference to Bruce Kelley’s fine article on Isaac Butt (HI 28.3, May/June 2020), may we add a footnote? Every schoolboy/girl knows about Isaac Butt and Home Rule, and probably about Butt’s notorious inability to get on top of his personal finances. However, what is little known, and rarely referenced, is Butt’s contribution to the … Read more
Sir,—Your editorial on Aodh mac Conchobhuir Mhic Aodhagáin was indeed most interesting. He was one of the subjects discussed in a marvellous two-day conference held in May 2019 in Trinity College, Dublin, entitled Tales, Anecdotes and Marginalia from Irish Literature, and organised by the Department of Irish and Celtic Languages under Damian McManus and his … Read more