Madam, – I understand that the annual Wolfe Tone commemoration will take place on Sunday, June 14th. Those interested in Wolfe Tone might wish to know how he “disappeared” in Galway city. For years a plaque existed on an ancient wall in Kirwan’s Lane, Galway, outlining how Tone had trod the boards in the old theatre that had once stood there. The plaque was placed beside an ancient doorway. Wolfe Tone, perhaps at the same time, had an affair with the wife of “Humanity Dick” Martin, whose townhouse was around the corner.
The plaque, and all trace of Tone, disappeared as the area was, eh, modernised. It has now, ludicrously, been renamed “The Latin Quarter” by Galway City Council in a grab for business during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover.
But of one of Ireland’s great men there remains no trace. Nor, in spite of numerous queries over the years and letters to local papers, has any hint of Tone’s fate been forthcoming from Galway City Council. Indeed – to paraphrase Davis – his name is seldom mentioned and his acting virtues remain unknown. – Yours, etc,