Sir, - We wish to bring to your attention the decision of Trinity College, Dublin not to allow the Book of Kells or part of the book to return to the new heritage centre in its home of Kells. The return of the Book of Kells was planned for a proposed millennium exhibition in August.
This decision has being greeted by the people of Kells and surrounding areas with great dismay and disbelief. In spite of cross-party support from all elected representatives of Kells Urban District Council and support and recommendations from all our public representatives including Ministers and a former Taoiseach, the powers in Trinity College say otherwise.
As you are probably aware, the Book of Kells has recently returned from a visit to Australia, so we can not understand why it cannot travel 40 miles down the road to its home town of Kells.
It would reside in our new state-of-the art heritage centre for the period requested. Kells UDC and its officials have gone to great lengths to ensure the centre would meet any criteria and conditions requested by Trinity College.
How can Trinity go against the wishes of the community and their elected representatives to return the Book of Kells to its people? Is it true to say that the Book of Kells is a national treasure, thereby belonging to the State and its people. What right has Trinity Collage to refuse the return of the Book of Kells? Is it mainly for financial reasons that Trinity Collage will not allow the Book to return?
These questions must be answered and we as Kells natives do not and will not accept Trinity's decision. - Yours, etc.,
Patrick and David Butler, Cavan Road, Kells, Co Cavan.