Dear Editor,

I wish to raise a number of issues with regards to the Michael Collins Commemoration that was recently held in Beal na Bláth. I feel that the keynote speaker could have made a better attempt to highlight the hugh contribution that Michael Collins made to Ireland and his bravery and dedication to this country.

Instead of this, the keynote speaker asked those present to forget the past, and only look to the future. I don’t agree with this as Ireland’s past has shaped us as a nation. Those that fought and died for Ireland should not be forgotten, least of all at a commemoration event.

I feel the commemoration speech was disappointing and at times more about the person delivering it on that occasion. I look forward to the 2014 commemoration and hope that a proper tribute will be paid to Michael Collins on that occasion.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Byrne-Sherlock,

Ballyderown, Killworth, Co. Cork

and Bronx River Road Yonkers New York