Madam, - In 1699, after the battle of the Boyne, Charles Campbell was given land north of the Boyne. He needed to build walls for his new estate so he sent his workmen to dig a quarry nearby.
The men started to dig and soon found a large stone covered in carvings and patterns. The foreman sent for Campbell who realised that this was an important discovery, called a halt to the digging and went elsewhere for his stone.
He did not know what the stone meant or what it signified but he had the vision to recognise its value. He acknowledged that maybe future generations might discover its true meaning. The stone is the kerbstone of Newgrange and is recognised internationally as a symbol of Ireland, the jewel in the crown of Irish heritage.
In recent weeks a ritual site has been uncovered during the construction work on the M3. Will we learn from history and the vision of one man who was humble enough to realise he did not have the information or the right to destroy something just because it was "his" and convenient for his purpose? Will future generations thank the powers-that-be for their decisions?
With all our education and knowledge we would do well to learn from Campbell's example. Ireland without Newgrange would be a poorer place. We are not learning from our history we are ignoring it and making a huge mistake.
We should re-route the M3 now and allow our children the richness of their heritage. - Yours, etc,
DOMINIC GRYSON, Baile Mhae, Teamhair, Contae na Mí.