Madam, – In all the time it was officially designated “Archbishop Ryan Park”, I never once heard anyone refer to it by that name. It was, and is, referred to as Merrion Square; it will continue to be referred to as Merrion Square, and for a very good reason: it is Merrion Square. Most people I know aren’t too sure who the Merrion in question was – man, woman, Catholic, Protestant, dissenter, mount or gates – nor do they care. I’ve never met anyone who was offended by its designation.
May I suggest it reverts officially to Merrion Square, and make life easy for the postal service? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I agree with your correspondent Anita T Curtis (Bridget’s Park leads the way, February 6th) that we embrace the “cloak of Bridget”. However we should use the correct Irish spelling of “Brigid”. It is common to confuse our St Brigid with St Bridget of Sweden, born about 1303; died July 23rd, 1373. She was the daughter of Birger Persson, a wealthy landholder and provincial judge of the province of Uppland.
Additionally, why not make February 1st a national holiday of equal importance, and complementary to, St Patrick’s Day on March 17th? – Yours etc,