Letters to the Editor: 40 years of vitriol, famous Waterford naturalist and our flag colours
Waterford's GAA colours, white and blue. Photo: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Dear Editor,
As a former employee, trade union representative and pensioner of Waterford Crystal, it has become wholly tiresome to once again see an insidious reference in the Waterford News and Star to the proud and former workforce and trade union of Waterford Crystal.
In its column the Phoenix ("A Long Summer", August 6, 2024) tells us “that when Waterford Crystal closed in 2008 the feeling was palpable that some government ministers decamped to Buswell’s hotel to celebrate the end of a difficult union and workforce”.
Was one of those Ministers a close confidant and hero so often praised by the “Phoenix”?
The many ministers and Taosaigh that delegations of our shop stewards met with were never anything but courteous, if mainly unforthcoming as regards our requests.
The monumental failure over many years, of the Waterford business, civic and political elites, consistently championed by the “Phoenix”, saw the under development of Waterford city and the subsequent social suffering of many of its working people. The responsibility for which belongs solely with that so-called leadership.
When it comes to grabbing or looting your share of the national cake, “team Waterford”, a third division side, were no match for the senior boys and girls of Cork, Limerick or Galway, not to mention Dublin. The basic rule of free market economics so beloved by the “Phoenix” is simply “winner takes all”. Continually insulting working people, be they former Glass workers or his other pet whipping boys, dock workers, won't change this basic fact.
Yours sincerely,
Dear Editor,
I am writing a biography of a famous Waterford naturalist called Richard J. Ussher (1841-1913) who lived and farmed at Cappagh House near Dungarvan. I would be interested to hear from any of your readers if they know of relatives of the Ussher family still living in the area.
Richard John Ussher is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding ornithologists and naturalists of the late 19th century in Ireland. He was the principal author of a landmark book 'The Birds of Ireland', which accurately described the status of all bird species occurring in Ireland up to 1900. He was also an experienced speleologist, documenting the fossilized remains of many extinct animals, such as mammoths and bears, found in caves all over the country.
I can be contacted at richardnairn@gmail.com or at the telephone number 086 8250414.
Regards,
Dear Editor,
With regard to the Phoenix article titled, "Dereliction is Vandalism" (July 30, 2024), I would agree wholeheartedly with most of the content with the exception of one aspect. Your recommendation of erecting a tall flag pole on the roundabout outside the railway station, flying a blue and white flag.
If this were done then you would not be honouring Waterford GAA, but Laois GAA whose colours are blue and white.
Waterford's GAA colours are white and blue, which makes a big difference, as you can see from the Waterford flags flying outside the Tower Hotel and WLR on the Ring Road.
Yours sincerely,
Letters, your voice, your view: Whether you agree or disagree with the views expressed or would like to have your own personal opinion aired in public, we’re waiting to hear from you. Send your letters to Editor, Waterford News & Star, Gladstone House, Gladstone Street, Waterford City or email editor@waterford-news.com
