Sir, I would like to ask the academics who have spoken on this subject recently to clarify what actually constitutes the ancient archaeological site at Tailteann. Following the signpost indicating the Telltown earth works from Donaghpatrick, one ends up at another sign pointing directly to a house down a narrow cul de sac. In the fields to the rear of this house earthworks may indeed be seen. A very tranquil place. I was there this morning and not a bulldozer in sight or any evidence of recent destruction.
The site pictured in your issue of May 14th is in fact about a mile to the north east by road and is not indicated by any sign.
William Wilde, in his Beauties of the Boyne and its Tributary the Blackwater, published in 1849, drew attention to the historical sites which the area contains and lamented the fact that they had been subject to very little scientific study. He specifically drew attention to the immense Rath at Donaghpatrick, which was obscured by trees and undergrowth, and suggested this could have been the celebrated Rath Airthir, the Eastern Fort. A full century and a half later and that site remains as Wilde saw it.
Perhaps recent events may contribute positively to the manner in which we handle our unique heritage. As I write the National Lottery anticipates a six million pound payout. We have a general election on June 6th. Might not some politician make this an election issue, i.e. Lottery funding to identify and protect such sites with more adequate dissemination of historical information? Perhaps a more constructive approach than the hounding of a local landowner into a state of shock. - Yours, etc.,
Oristown,
Kells,
Co Meath.