Sir, – The Red Hand is a powerful symbol with a long history in Irish tradition. For the sake of completeness, therefore, it is worth recording that, having referred to this symbol as suitable for occupying the white panel of the tricolour in time of war against England (“An Irishman’s Diary – Frank McNally on the red-handed tricolour”, August 28th), Thomas F Meagher finished his speech on the presentation of the flag, April 15th, 1848, as follows: “And I pray this blessed night – and in this prayer you will all passionately concur – that Heaven may bless the vengeance which that signal [ie the Red Hand] is sure to kindle.” – Yours, etc,
PÁDRAIG Ó MACHÁIN,
Department of Modern Irish,
University College Cork.
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Sir, – Frank McNally’s piece on the tricolour reminds me of a speech my grandfather made to the newly formed Kingscourt Volunteers in 1914 at which he said, “This is your flag. Respect it. Look to its golden harp – that grand symbol of Irish nationality which for centuries past has been attuned to sorrow but which I hope will soon resound to a resurgent Ireland and when our own Parliament House in College Green reopens I hope and trust that men of the Kingscourt Corps with this banner at their head will have the honour of marching to the opening ceremony.” Rousing stuff and not a whisper about a tricolour! – Yours, etc,
MARION WALSH,
Dublin 4.
