Madam, - A knowledge and appreciation of the Irish language and its literature is the cultural birthright of every child born and reared in the country, and a pre-requisite for anything that might be called an education in Ireland. Irish is compulsory for us all in so far as its preservation and development are imperative if we are to hold any pretensions to being known as a cultured people.
The revival movement was begun by men and women who knew and loved the language. It was inspired by a vision that was enlightened and imaginative and by an understanding of the importance of a shared love of a unique culture as the foundation of community in the newly independent state.
If the movement has not been the success that was once hoped for, neither has it been the failure that some would claim it to be. For many of us, learning the language at school was our main or only introduction to a heritage that, although separated from us by only one or two generations, was nevertheless all but lost. Whatever its shortcomings, our school Irish was better than nothing, and to have been deprived of it altogether would have been a gross injustice.
The rediscovery of our language and literature and its development to meet the requirements of contemporary life is an exciting and creative enterprise. It calls for energy and imagination most of all.
As a cultural heritage it belongs peculiarly to ourselves, but it also is part of the heritage of Europe and of the world. Its loss would be a loss for civilisation, and if it were lost, it is us, its natural custodians, who, with good reason, would be held accountable. - Yours, etc.,
PÁDRAIG Ó CONGHAILE,
Cluain Sceach,
Baile Átha Cliath 14.