A Chara, - The bulldozing of the ancient archaeological site at Tailteann, Co. Meath, is utterly deplorable. Aonach Tailteann is associated with some of the central foundation myths of the Irish people. Early Irish mythology en shrines its sacred character in the tradition which holds that it was instituted by the Celtic god Lug, to honour his foster mother, Tailtin, who is buried there and who gives the place its name.
In the early Christian period, and subsequently, the Irish annals frequently refer to the celebration of this festival by various kings of Tara. In short, the festival setting was a renowned location, both in mythology and in history.
In modern times the enterprise of reviving the Tailteann festival was closely related to the movement towards national freedom. The highly successful celebration of Aonach Tailteann in 1924 was seen widely as an affirmation of national identity and independence.
That such a notable site should now be unceremoniously bulldozed into oblivion without the slightest reference to expert archaeological opinion is, quite simply, an outrage. It is a blind violation of the material basis of the heritage of the people of Ireland.
The owner of the land alleges that she was misled by Meath County Council as to the importance of the site. If this is the case then the situation is all the more deplorable. It is really unthinkable that a public body should be afflicted by such blindness to the nation's heritage.
The entire calamity should be the subject of searching public enquiry. Meath County Council should, as a matter of great urgency, make a permanent appointment of a professional archaeologist to advise on heritage sites, part of whose brief would be the dissemination of even rudimentary education in this area. - Is mise,
(Hon. Editor, Riocht no Midhe) Department of English St. Patrick's College, Maynooth