Sir, – Peadar Mac Maghnais (December 27th) raises an interesting point about our Army’s own usage of its correct and historic title, Óglaigh na hÉireann.
For many years the Department of Defence in collaboration with the officer corps, or in defiance of them, has been busy branding every unit in English.
Soldiers wear jackets bearing the word “Army”. The big drum of the Aer Corps is emblazoned “Irish Air Corps Pipe Band”.
I have seen photos of naval personnel with “Navy” on their baseball-type caps. Most recently, An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúl (FCA) became the “Army Reserve” and at the same time An Slua Muirí was converted to the “Naval Reserve”.
The present Minister for Defence and the officers of Óglaigh na hÉireann can easily reverse the situation and create a force as proud of its Irish name, in all of its branches, as is An Garda Síochána. – Yours, etc,
PÁDRAIG Ó MATHÚNA,
Baile an Teampaill,
Dún Chaoin,
Trá Lí,
Co Chiarraí.