Sir, The idea of planting trees for the Millennium by Ray Monaghan (letter, February 11th) has great merit. "A forest is the finest thing in the world it is the expression of nature in its highest form it is so full of beauty and variety". In these words, Dr Augustine Henry reflected a love of trees that has been characteristic of the Irish from as early as the 8th century.
Ros Ui Rinn, the Christy Ring Ashgrove, took root in the grounds of Cloyne School in St Colman's Day in 1979. Now the ash trees planted by members of the Ring family, hurling heroes from many counties, camogie players and local children are admired and are a fitting memorial to Ireland's greatest hurler.
Ros Chiarain, in the grounds of Ferbane Vocational School (1992), is a small wood of broad leaved trees planted as a memorial to dead and retired teachers. It is particularly fitting that trees should be used in this way, taking into consideration the cycle of planting, flowering and fructification which is so closely analogous to the work of teachers, teachers would also expect that their students, when grown to maturity and graduated, will work for the social, cultural and economic benefit of their community. The term Ros is particularly felicitous, Ros being an Irish term for a wood and found in many place names e.g. Ros Chairbre, Ris Chre Ros Beithe.
President Mary Robinson planted an oak tree in the grounds' of Cobh Vocational School in 1991 and unveiled a plaque designating the school arboretum a peace park. Trees were planted to celebrate the opening of the school in 1979 and in succeeding years broad leaved trees were planted by students, parents, teachers, ambassadors, the disabled and personalities from the world of sports such as Sonia O'Sullivan (a past pupil), Jack Charlton and Jimmy Barry Murphy. Large and small business contributed to the cost of the project, and trees were donated by the management of Fota Arboretum.
The trees planted in Cloyne or Ferbane and Cobh will benefit these areas for generations to come, as a source of beauty and by making their own special contribution, through the process of photosynthesis, to a healthier environment. Mise le meas, Cluain Uamha, Co Chorcai.