Sir, - I am very much in agreement with Daithi Mac Carthaigh (September 1st). However, I would like to mention an allied - and in my view - more serious problem, namely the disastrous reGaelicisation of placenames. I live a short distance from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath. This town's name as Gaeilge is Domhnach Seachnaill, the Church of St Seachnaill (Secondinus), the first bishop consecrated in Ireland, I believe by St Patrick. This placename, therefore, connects us with 1,500 years of history.
It one looks at signposts erected in recent years which include Dunshaughlin, however, one will see the name Dun Seachlainn. Instead of "the church of Secondinus" we now have "the fort of Seachlainn" (whoever he/ she was). Who is responsible for this cultural vandalism? Will it continue to be perpetrated? What about other examples, for instance, the appalling "Bre"? If Domhnach Seachnaill connects us with 1,500 years of history, Bri Chualainn brings us back considerably further. - Yours, etc.,
Brendan Treacy, Drumree, Co Meath.