How would 1916 heroes feel about
Tara?
Dear sir - First the Tara brooch-shaped building for Trim
and now an anxiety to celebrate the 100th. anniversary of
the 1916 Rising. Noel Dempsey is suddenly aware of our
heritage. I wonder how those brave men and women would
react to his recent decisions?
We know how Arthur Griffith would react. The minister
declared himself a lover of Tara and a history graduate
during his speech to the Dáil on November 23rd.
2004. It must have come as quite a shock to him that most
renowned Irish historians in the world do not agree with
his decision to try to forge a twice-tolled motorway
through Tara's "surrounds" (the Gabhra Valley).
He said during his speech: "Like everyone else in the
House, my location and family place is a central point of
reference in my life, in my mental map and my sense of
heritage".
"The fact that I am a history graduate adds to my
fascination with history, heritage and the past".
"Ireland, indeed Europe, has few sites as significant
historically as Tara".
"It is part of our ethos, our memory and our
archaeological wealth. It is part of what makes us Irish.
Some may think that is over the top, but I do not".
"I would never and could never do anything or support a
policy that would be to the detriment of Tara or its
surrounds. I venture to say that no one from County Meath
would do so. No one is more committed to guarding our
heritage and our history. I speak not just for myself but
for Meath people generally. I believe it is our
collective duty to protect our heritage and our history
in a way that serves the needs of our citizens in the
present and into the future".
Replying to Deputy Eamon Gilmore he stated: "The truth
hurts. The road would not be there only I started
it".
Deputy Gilmore: "The truth hurts. Is the minister taking
credit for it?" Minister Dempsey: "I am, yes".
Refreshingly honest of him to admit that he will go down
in history as the minister responsible for the
destruction of the site that he considers "part of what
makes us Irish". How "Irish" can he get?
When Lord Deputy Mountjoy marched into O'Néill
land in 1602 after the defeat at Kinsale, he destroyed
their inauguration chair. What have the people of Ireland
done to deserve this destruction?
Minister Dempsey is certainly living up to his surname.
Ó Díomsaigh from díomas (pride,
arrogance, contempt).
Yours sincerely,
DR. MUIREANN Ní
BHROLCHÁIN,
PRO,
Save Tara Skryne Valley Group,
58 Laurence Avenue,
Maynooth,
Co. Kildare.
© The Meath Chronicle, 20th. August 2005.
