Sir, - As a Wexfordman, I was interested to see you open this subject to your correspondents. But I am very disappointed in the way it has gone. What could have been an interesting debate cent red instead around an argument about exactly how many were killed in the massacre at Scullabogue. Does it really matter now whether this was 84 or 184? It was an appalling atrocity.
One correspondent finds consolation in the claim that the victims were killed not because they were Protestants, but because they were loyalists. I am sure this would have been little consolation to their families (I imagine the terms would have been synonymous in those days anyhow). Also a letter (February 11th) stated that they were killed because they "opposed the aims and objects of the United Irishmen." What an apologia - if they oppose our aims, we kill them.
Altogether not a very edifying correspondence. Sir, please conclude it as soon as possible. - Yours, etc.,
Gaybrook Lawns, Malahide, Co bublin.