Sir, - Ask Kevin Myers to take it easy on the Irish language. Many Irish people (like this pleb) do reserve "a respectful and well regarded place for it in our hearts" and that's not "all rubbish".
A warmth for the Irish language comes from a folk memory and a compassionate understanding of our past. This is precisely the same mind-set which natives of the Coombe and Francis Street (like myself) have regarding the local lads who died in the First War. The house-to-house black bunting is not forgotten. Neither is the Irish language.
The flame of memory is burning low, but bright. TnaG is a nightlight for the language before the dawning realisation of its importance. So Kevin, love it, respect it, or leave what's precious alone. - Yours, etc., John O`Connor,
Merton Road, Rathmines, Dublin.