Sir, I read with interest Katie Donovan's article "Who fears to speak of 98?" (January 28th). I agree fully with Professor Louis Cullen's comments surrounding the events of 1798 and hope that these will be reflected in the theme of the commemorations next year.
It is encouraging to read that an apology for the atrocities committed at Scullabogue will be recorded in some way. It is my understanding that up to 200 mainly innocent Protestant civilians, including women and children, were massacred and would be a more accurate description than "government supporters", as stated in the article.
I was surprised that the books listed did not mention the excellent The Year of Liberty by Thomas Pakenham. Also well worth reading is The Tree of Liberty by Kevin Whelan (Field Days Essays). Both are available in the bookshops. - Yours, etc.,
Hollybrook Road, Clontarf,
Dublin 3.