Sir, - Why does Kevin Myers always succeed in infuriating me when he writes about Michael Collins? I, for one, will be proud to bring my children to view Neil Jordan's film on this great Irishman and, where possible, explain any inaccuracies or fiction contained therein.
On reading Mr Myers's article in "An Irishman's Diary" of October 17th you would nearly believe that the RUC of 1922 was non sectarian or not bigoted towards Catholics. These gentlemen were just as biassed as the Northern based RIC who, in August 1920, after the assassination of District Inspector Oswald Ross Swanzy, stood idly by whilst the Catholics of Lisburn suffered three days and nights of looting and burning by their rioting Protestant neighbours.
Of the ensuing fatalities, one was an employee of Edward Donaghy and Sons (boot and shoe manufacturers founded by my grandfather). My mother recalls hearing this man screaming for help whilst trapped in the burning factory, and her father vainly ringing the fire brigade and RIC.
It is ironic that District Inspector Swanzy was transferred to Lisburn for his safety after being implicated in the murder of Alderman Tomas McCurtain, Lord Mayor of Cork. After this, Michael Collins instructed that he was to be shot. - Yours, etc.,
Cashel,
Slane,
Co Meath.