Sir , – With reference Manchán Magan’s article on the Tricolour flying over the Imperial Hotel and other buildings in 1916 (Weekend Review, April 20th), may I point out that the flag on the hotel was that of the Irish Citizen Army, a green flag with the a plough and the stars across its centre and a fringe of gold around the edge.
On the GPO was hoisted a Tricolour flag, but this was a green flag with the words "Irish Republic" in white and orange inscribed across its centre. A report from the Dublin Saturday Post early May 1916 states, "High above the building [GPO)]the Republican flag flutters excitedly over the stifling atmosphere of dust laden smoke. The flames lick and kiss the pole on which it hangs. With the aid of a powerful field glass I see its white letters with the words 'Irish republic' on its surface . . . During four days and nights it had flown above the building proudly and defiantly."
It fell to the ground on the fifth day when the base of the flagpole caught fire, and was discovered by British soldiers as they advanced up the street after the ceasefire.
Both flags are at the National Museum Collins Barracks. The tricolour flag “in a homologically vertical arrangement” was not flown in 1916. – Yours, etc,
Dr ANN MATTHEWS,
Walled Garden,
Castletown,
Celbridge, Co Kildare.