Madam, - I have been following with great interest your readers' contributions under the heading "Debate on Irish place-names". "Debate" is hardly the word, as it is difficult to think of any argument to justify the retention of the meaningless corruptions which pass for place-names (and indeed surnames)in Ireland imposed during the period of foreign rule. That such inaccurate anglicisations can still be accepted without challenge is a measure of our continued servility and inferiority complex.
Regrettably, our capital city sets a poor example. Where else, even among the most abject of conquered peoples, would you find a capital city whose streets continue to be named after counties and public figures of the conquering country? How can national pride even exist in such a place? This servile mentality continues to be revealed in the naming of new housing estates throughout the country after English towns by ignorant developers, who know almost nothing of their own heritage and culture and who usurp a function properly belonging to an informed planning process.
I agree very much with Caoimhghín O Croidheáin (February 26th) that the discussion should be broadened to include surnames. Irish surnames, which nearly all begin with "Mac" or "O" have been "translated" into bizarre English "equivalents", often by monoglot Anglophones who seemed incapable of even hearing the original correctly, never mind rendering an acceptable form in writing. Thus Ó Gaoithín became Wyndham, Ó hArrachtáin became Harrington, O hOistín Hastings and so on. There are even more bizarre examples which perhaps your readers may contribute.
In short, it is long past time that we recovered our Gaelic nomenclature in both place names and family names, and on achieving this we might be well on our way to recovering our most valuable possession - our language, and thus also our culture and values. Tús maith leath na h-oibre. - Is mise,
F.G. O'FAOLÁIN,
Baile an Teampaill,
Beal Átha na Muice,
Co Mhuigheo.