In 1840 Thomas Davis addressed the Historical Society in Ireland’s only university with the words “Gentlemen, you have a country.” In those days Ladies were not accepted as university students.
Davis was certain in his mind that he and his fellow students belonged to a country called Ireland, and he urged his fellows to serve that country.
He recognised that Irishmen and women were not free and he was to urge them to “Educate, that you may be free.”
SIxty-five years ago, while at secondary school, I took a missal in my right hand and swore that I would serve Ireland faithfully, as I joined the FCA.
I realise that some readers will find scandal in these words. At the time I had never read THE IRISH TIMES and my teachers had never suggested that I held a copy of that organ in my hand for such a solemn occasion. I can well imagine more politically correct warriors today swearing on the writings of Fintan O’Toole, but not in the service of Ireland.
But generations of Irishmen have sworn to serve their country holding the King James Bible, or the Talmud, according to their religious beliefs, and faithfully served our country. Younger citizens..I would bet, have sworn on the Koran.
I have come to believe that nobody should be required to swear on a sacred text. Honest people will keep their vows however they swear or declare. Rascals cannot be trusted. In a crisis some will reckon that damnation is not an immediate prospect. Here I think that males should revert to the practise of their ancient forebears, and swear by what they, and their lovers held most dear. They swore by their testes, pledging them as witnesses, and it would be a foolhardy liar who would risk their immediate loss if caught lying.
It seems to be politically Incorrect to refer to our homeland as our country. I blame professional academics for whom Ireland is a mere piece of real estate, an Island best suited for fattening bullocks and sons and daughters to service the appetites of its more powerful neighbour.
IRELAND IS A COUNTRY, comprising many islands and its neighbouring seas. Russia has this week shown our country more respect than Britain, and Britain’s Irish sycophants, in nearly 900 years
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