Sir, - We refer to Richard Roche's informative article (May 6th) and also to Donall O'Morain's letter (May 10th) asking members of the "erudite tradition" of historians to explain how the Scullabogue atrocity helped the United Irish cause. It, didn't. Bagenal Harvey, the then commander in chief and the other United Irish leaders were appalled by it.
The Historians and Librarians Committee of Comoradh 98 have produced the following text for inscription on a proposed memorial at Scullabogue, which we believe to be both appropriate and dignified.
IN MEMORIAM IN THIS PLACE THE PEOPLE OF WEXFORD REMEMBER THE VICTIMS OF SCULLABOGUE BARN INTERRED HERE AND AT TEMPLESHELIN. USED TO DETAIN SOME ONE HUNDRED PRISONERS, THE BARN WAS FIRED ON 5 JUNE 1798 THE DAY OF THE BATTLE OF ROSS THE REMORSE OF THE UNITED IRISH AT THIS OUTRAGE, A TRAGIC DEPARTURE FROM THE IDEALS OF THEIR REPUBLIC IS SHARED BY THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND IN IOTHLAINN DE GO DTUGTAR SINN
- Yours, etc.,
(Chairman),
(nee Boxwell) (Secretary), c/o County Library,
Teach Ui Shionoid,
Wexford.