Sir, - I was delighted to read in your edition of July 10th that John Barry and colleagues of the Classics Department at NUI, Cork are to produce translations of the many Latin histories of Ireland written by Irishmen in the 17th century especially.
This is a very important project, one that should be welcomed not only by Latin scholars, but by historians, and Irish-language scholars as well. Several important works of historical value were written by Irishmen in the 17th century. Unfortunately, many of the young people of today have never studied Latin, so these translations will make a wealth of historical information more accessible to the public, especially the younger generation.
It is to be hoped that the translations will be accompanied by the Latin originals. It is vital that the originals not be forgotten, and that the younger generation be taught sufficient Latin to deal with these.
I wish the team at NUI Cork every success, and commend the College for its initiative. - Yours, etc.,
Seamas De Barra, Beaufort Downs, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.