Madam, - Pádraig Ó Cuanacháin's letter of May 24th reminds us of the darker side to some experiences of Irish troops in British service. These are often obscured by the assertions of Robin Bury et al. The constant attacks by Kevin Myers on the men who fought for Irish independence won't help to reconcile traditions.
When entering St Stephen's Green, do Dubliners ever think of the 6,000 Boer mothers, and their 16,000 to 20,000 children, who died in Gen Kitchener's concentration camps?
The regiments and individuals who took the women and children from their homes - to almost certain death in many cases - are not easily identified. Vague ad hoc organisations such as "mounted infantry" are mentioned.
The troops burnt the houses and shot the livestock - the last sights and sounds of home that the women and children would have. Would someone (Kevin Myers or Robin Bury, perhaps?) name the Irish regiments involved? Some troops would have seen evictions at home. Home Rule was not at all assured, and John Redmond knew it. Read his speeches. Powerful elements in the British establishment were determined to repeal the law.
It is painful to see Redmond's efforts and the contempt that met them. - Yours, etc.,
E.D. DOYLE, Tower Road, Dublin 22.