Letters to the editor: 40 years of malice, famous naturalist from Waterford and the colours of our flag – Opinion

Forty years of hate

Dear Editor,

As a former Waterford Crystal employee, union representative and pensioner, I find it extremely tiresome to read in the Waterford News and Star yet another insidious reference to the proud former workforce and union of Waterford Crystal.

In its column (“A Long Summer”, 6 August 2024), the Phoenix tells us that “when Waterford Crystal closed in 2008, one could sense that some government ministers were moving into Buswell’s hotel to celebrate the end of a troubled union and workforce”.

Was one of these ministers a close confidant and hero who was so often praised by the “Phoenix”?

The many ministers and Taosaigh with whom our works council delegations met always responded politely, if mostly cautiously, to our demands.

The monumental failure of Waterford's economic, civic and political elites over many years, repeatedly supported by the Phoenix, has led to the underdevelopment of Waterford City and the resulting social suffering of many of its workers. The responsibility for this lies solely with this so-called leadership.

When it came to grabbing or pillaging a share of the national pie, Team Waterford, a third division team, was no match for the older boys and girls from Cork, Limerick or Galway, not to mention Dublin. The basic rule of the free market economy that Phoenix loves so much is simply “winner takes all.” This basic fact is not changed by continually insulting the working population, be they former Glass workers or his other favorite whipping boys, the dockers.

Best regards,

Tom Hogan,

mountain view,

Waterford

Famous naturalist from Waterford

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 grateful if your readers would let me know if they know of any relatives of the Ussher family still living in the area.

Richard John Ussher is widely regarded as one of Ireland's most outstanding ornithologists and naturalists of the late 19th century. He was the main author of a landmark book, The Birds of Ireland, in which he detailed the status of all bird species found in Ireland up to 1900. He was also an expert speleologist, documenting the fossilized remains of many extinct animals, such as mammoths and bears, found in caves across the country.

You can contact me at [email protected] or by calling 086 8250414.

Greetings,

Richard Nairn

Website: richardnairn.ie

Waterford Flag

Dear Editor,

Regarding the Phoenix article entitled “Neglect is Vandalism” (July 30, 2024), I completely agree with most of the content except for one point: your recommendation to put up a tall flagpole with a blue and white flag on the roundabout in front of the train station.

If this were done, 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.

Best regards,

Tom Murphy,

Grange Heights,

Waterford

Letters to the editor … your voice, your opinion

Letters, your voice, your opinion: Whether you agree or disagree with the views expressed or wish to make your personal opinion known publicly, we welcome your message. Send your letters to the Editor, Waterford News & Star, Gladstone House, Gladstone Street, Waterford City or email [email protected]