Sir, Mr. O Gormain (October 29th) need not worry about Ireland losing her identity if we lose the Irish language. The predominant use of English doesn't seem to have been too much of a barrier to America in establishing its own unique identity. I find it strange that he should have so little faith in our history, culture, music, and all the other factors which make us what we are.
I have neither the opportunity nor, I must confess, a great desire to speak Irish, but I am no less of an Irish person than Mr. O Gormain. I feel no guilt regret, maybe, but not guilt - about the fact that I do not speak it. A language is a living vehicle for communication, and since Irish is only used as such in small areas of our country, it does not have a place in my life.
I'm not arguing for the abandonment of Irish - I am glad I learned it in school, and should I visit a Gaeltacht area, I would use it to communicate. But I, and people like me, are no less Irish for not speaking Irish. Yours, etc,
Cherrymount, Waterford.