Sir, - A number of your correspondents have commented on the fact that we are not making enough of our rich heritage, e.g. recording archaeological sites. One foreign visitor complained of being confronted with bland international cultural icons in public places.
There was huge interest, beyond dedicated Gaeilgeoiri, in TG4's transmission (January 5th) of the drama/documentary on the life and death of Lord Leitrim, William Sydney Clements. There are hundreds of similar stories which, though they relate to Ireland, have an international resonance - the social and political significance of changes in the ownership of land, for instance.
Many agencies, both official (Duchas, Leader programmes, FAS, county arts officers etc.) and community-based (local historical societies/journals etc.) could combine to compile a list of such subjects to form a database for documentaries. Such programmes would be a valuable resource for local tourism, libraries, schools etc. They would also be a considerable export earner for our broadcasting organisations and film companies.
Regarding the story of the Third Earl of Leitrim, there must be many more records available, e.g. court sessional papers of the trial, information about alleged abuse of his tenants' daughters or offspring of any such liaisons. I would be grateful to hear from anyone with any information. Those interested in the English-language version of the Lord Leitrim documentary can contact me. - Yours, etc.,
Charlie Doherty, 30 Ailesbury Grove, Dundrum, Dublin 16.