A chara, - I read with interest your article concerning the bicentenary of 1798. Twice in the article there is a mention of a memorial to be erected "as an apology and a gesture of reconciliation" from the people of Wexford for an incident at Scullabogue, the day following the massacre at Ross.
I wonder if the "Irish Diaspora" was requested to donate towards this memorial? The native Irish people are still waiting for an apology for the Penal Laws, Cromwell, the holocaust of 150 years ago or Bloody Sunday 1972.
it would appear from the article that the Dublin 98 committee has no plans for the Croppies Acre or Luke Cullen's grave. No doubt we will have many French visitors and it will be interesting to hear their views when they visit the burial ground of two officers of the French army, Matthew Tone and Bart Teeling, now a soccer pitch for the military in Dublin. Some serving soldiers erected a small memorial some years ago near the railings, not at the graves. As of today, there is a pair of football boots on top of the memorial. How appropriate!
There is a rumour that the graves of the United Irishmen at the Croppies Acre are to be turned into a car park for the convenience of visitors. Perhaps one of your readers could confirm or deny this? - is mise,
(runai), National Graves Association, 74 Dame Street,
Dublin 2.