Madam, – Passing Trinity College, the sight of the Thomas Moore statue got me thinking about Ireland’s “national bard”. It seems a pity that Scotland holds Robbie Burns to its heart to an extent far exceeding our affection for his Irish equivalent.
My first thought was that it would be nice, each year on the anniversary of his birth, to have a brief reading of Moore’s poems around his statue. But why stop at Moore? Why not use Moore’s statue as a symbol of Irish poetry, and celebrate the birthdays of various Irish poets – especially those who might have fallen into neglect, such as James Clarence Mangan – by reading their verses there? (It doesn’t have to be done on their exact birthdays; it might be shifted to the nearest Saturday for convenience.)
Bloomsday has been a huge success. This wouldn’t be nearly as elaborate, but might become one of the sights of Dublin, and a very conspicuous demonstration that we value our literary heritage. I propose the foundation of a Thomas Moore Club to honour all the eminent poets of Ireland. Anyone who thinks this is a good idea and would like to join in can contact me at maolsheachlann@gmail.com. – Yours, etc,