A chara, – Barry Doherty (February 28th) hits upon a unique and fascinating phenomenon of Irish life – the varied spellings of the names of certain towns and village. Anseo i gCo Shligigh, mar shampla, one may, depending on one’s approach by road, visit Easkey/Easky or Ballysadare/ Ballisodare/Ballysodare.
However, the solution to his grito de doloreslies in his erroneous reference to "native spelling" – níl ach Seanchill amháin, is mar an gcéanna le Iascaigh is Baile Easa Dara. (In fact, the mispelling that perturbed him would actually be a closer phonetic attempt!). Moreover, as one can read on logainm.ie, the evocation of the indigenous moniker sets one on the path to discovering its rich history.
Something, perhaps, for the residents of Dingle/Dangle in my own native county to ponder! – Is mise,