EOGHAN O LAOIRE,
A chara, - When writing about their favourite saints, hagiographers tend to combine an unbending enthusiasm for their subject with some facts, to produce a suitable treatise for their readers. In the case of Emmet Oliver and his piece on a "Principal of Principles" (Magazine, December 28th), he seems to have forgotten the latter requirement. It is also normal for a journalist to treat with facts while having a particular opinion.
Tomás Ó Dúlaing was sacked from his position as Príomhoide of Gaelscoil Thulach na nÓg because he wanted to segregate children for religious instruction and he then publicly challenged his board of management when they refused to allow him. The board, parents and patron did not want children segregated, but Mr Ó Dúlaing proposed that Catholic and Protestant religions be segregated for the purposes of religious instruction. He was the only one who suggested moving children out of the classroom during religious instruction, contrary to Emmet Oliver's assertions. His board disagreed and he was ultimately dismissed.
If Mr Oliver see him as a "principal of principles" for taking on his board of management or for wanting to turn an interdenominational school into a multi-denominational one, then so be it. But please, Madam Editor, do not paint him as a champion of the cause of pluralism where he created the call for segregation.
Please also be so kind as to put the record straight, even if you still want to hold the same opinion. - Is mise,
EOGHAN Ó LAOIRE,
Director,
An Foras Pátrúnachta,
Poulacurry North,
Gleann Maghair,
Co Cork.