JACK J. FITZGERALD,
Madam, - I feel I must reply to Michael Nolan's letter (February 7th) in which he laments the neglect of Sam Maguire's homestead. While I agree that some "agency" should take ownership of the problem of this important historical monument, I think Mr Nolan is showing his true colours in the way that he condemns the newly restored Victoria Fountain in Dun Laoghaire.
This magnificent monument was re-cast by the Glasgow foundry that made the original, which was erected to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria to this country. The original was destroyed a number of years ago by a nationalist "hero", in a show of defiance against our former "masters". As Mr Nolan describes the re-erection of the Victoria Fountain as shameful, can one assume that he might perhaps spearhead a campaign to obliterate all traces of our former "masters"?
Mr Nolan and his nationalist heroes could perhaps organise to have all of the Martello Towers, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Dun Laoghaire Town Hall, Victoria Park in Dalkey and countless other symbols of our former "masters" removed.
This could just be a start. Beyond the borough of Dun Laoghaire they could perhaps tear down Dublin Castle and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Indeed there are scores of other buildings and monuments which they could raze, and eventually eradicate and deny any memory of the history of this country and its former master's involvement in it.
As a lifelong resident of the borough of Dun Laoghaire may I commend Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for its far-sighted initiative in restoring and replacing a truly magnificent monument, that will hopefully be enjoyed and admired by Irish people for years to come. - Yours, etc.,
JACK J. FITZGERALD, Hyde Park, Dalkey, Co Dublin.