IGNATIUS FENNESSY, OFM,
Madam, - A little editorial finger-wagging in the general direction of An Irishman's Diary (January 17th) might be in order, for the honour of France. It is not polite to jest publicly about a present one has received.
Besides, there is nothing funny nor peculiar in the use of the definite article in the French form of Cairo (which is El-Qâhira in Egypt), of Havana (La Habana in Cuba), or of Valletta, which was named for the famous Jean Parisot de La Valette who fortified that place on Malta.
A little forethought might have reminded Mr Myers that the definite article is used in very many place-names in Ireland, such as An Nás (Naas), An Mhuileann gCearr (Mullingar), An tAonach (Nenagh), An Uaimh (Navan).
It is the English names that are funny (peculiar): Nenagh (A horse-laugh!), Navan (Quelle bêtise!). - Yours, etc.,
IGNATIUS FENNESSY, OFM,
Seafield Road,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.