History students learn of the rise of Irish nationalism in the last quarter of the 19th century, with the founding of the GAA, Conradh na Gaeilge and the Land League. Will future students be taught that Irish nationalism was killed off in the last quarter of the 20th century, when nationalist leaders denied the Irishness of northern Protestants?
Patrick Murphy in Saturday’s Irish News
12 comments:
Will future students be taught that Irish nationalism was killed off in the last quarter of the 20th century, when nationalist leaders denied the Irishness of northern Protestants?
"Irish Nationalism" is a very broad term and I use it below with much unease. There is no one unified body of Irish Nationalism, there never really has been. There have been common goals, but massive disagreement as how to achieve them and also what combination of these goals the end result would be comprised of.
Future students will be thought that the late 20th century finally brought a realisation to 'Irish Nationalism' that a significant majority of people on the island of Ireland could not, and should not be forced into sharing the goals of Irish Nationalists.
The end of the 20th century hopefully has marked a realisation amongst 'Irish Nationalists' of the fact that there are in fact two 'tribes' ( for want of a better word) on this island, which, while having many things in common in any number of areas, differ greatly on their views on where their interests are best preserved politically.
I dont think its a recognition that northern protestants are not Irish, more a recognition that there can be more than one shade of Irishness.
"I dont think its a recognition that northern protestants are not Irish, more a recognition that there can be more than one shade of Irishness."
It's interesting I've been reading Henry McDonald's latest which is very revealing in its portrayal of republican attitudes towards the protestants of NI. Basically, because they didn't fit their definition of Irishness, then at best they were a 2nd class type of Irishman. Same attitude is prevalent today I think (just check out some of the most recent debates on the subject on Slugger).
However, as you quite rightly point out, Irish nationalism is not a homogeneous beast. But I've got to say that the more thoughtful appraisals and analyses of Irishness are coming from the Republic and not the nationalist parties in NI whose attitude is still pretty one-dimensional (ie you can't be British and Irish)and much more interested in the symbolism
Irish nationalism is my pride and joy.
Rather bizarre to accord Irishness on a group of people who in the main reject that they are in fact Irish, some of whom even go so far as to detest Irishness in word and deed.
Strange indeed?!?!
You from NI then Tony? Or maybe your from an "Irish" suburb in the US?
But I've got to say that the more thoughtful appraisals and analyses of Irishness are coming from the Republic and not the nationalist parties in NI whose attitude is still pretty one-dimensional (ie you can't be British and Irish)and much more interested in the symbolism
O'Neill, Have you ever read Conor Cruise O Briens "States of Ireland".
Just finished it last week, an old one, but pretty interesting all the same. Worth reading. Im sure it would interest you immensely
Tony
Rather bizarre to accord Irishness on a group of people who in the main reject that they are in fact Irish, some of whom even go so far as to detest Irishness in word and deed.
More importantly, do you regard them as Irish?
Kloot
Thanks, I haven't, but I'll try to see if I can find it.
Auld ground Oneil, of course I regard them as Irish, but do they have to regard my regards as one regards being blamed for hosting a bad smell? Let's be honest and give your opinion on what is at worst a massive minority of Irish Unionists who hold these opinions.
>>O'Neill, Have you ever read Conor Cruise O Briens.....<<
In the name ae the wee man!
Auld ground Oneil, of course I regard them as Irish, but do they have to regard my regards as one regards being blamed for hosting a bad smell?
That I don't understand. Anyone born on the island of Ireland is technically Irish. Whether they decide to acknowledge or how they wish to celebrate that fact is their right.
>>Whether they decide to acknowledge or how they wish to celebrate that fact is their right.<<
The crux is that the at least large minority who regard being labelled as Irish as to hosting a bad smell. Should they be allowed to dictate how the vast majority wish to celebrate their Irishness? Case in point, Belfast one year was expected to be the only city in the world hosting a Paddy's day event without many recognised symbols of Irishness, including the tri-colour.
Bizzare!
Should they be allowed to dictate how the vast majority wish to celebrate their Irishness?
The parallel I use with this is someone bringing a Union flag to the Notting Hill carnival; by not bringing it, your own sense of or how you define your Britishness isn't diminished one bit and by not bringing it you're not potentially upsetting those who are simply there to enjoy the carnival
Absolute and utter rot ma man. You can have your mixed up claim to be British and Irish, though this bizzare state of affairs needs to be recognised for what it is. Spoiling, pure and simple.
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