Owen offended by ‘langer’ reference to Michael Collins

Former justice minister Nora Owen has said she was “offended” by the description of her ancestor Michael Collins as a “langer” in the official Rebel Week programme.

“It wasn’t a nice thing to do,” Ms Owen said yesterday after the Irish Examiner first reported on the controversy.

Collins’s grandniece said: “I though it was an unnecessary, derogatory term to put in there. It was not a jokey thing. This was the full programme for Rebel Week.”

But Ms Owen — who as part of Rebel Week will chair a Collins-themed discussion in Clonakilty, Co Cork, on her granduncle’s birthday, Oct 16 — said she accepted the apology issued by the event’s organisers, corporate.ie.

The blunder in programmes for the flagship Gathering event was brought to her attention on Monday night after Cork city councillors were briefed on the Rebel Week line-up.

Fine Gael councillors reacted angrily when they spotted an image of Collins on a Rebel Passport printed in the 12-page brochure, with the word “langer” inserted under the gender section.

Distribution of about 100,000 brochures, which was due to begin yesterday, was immediately cancelled.

Corporate.ie chief executive Padraic O’Kane moved quickly to accept full responsibility for the error.

He arranged for the immediate withdrawal of the brochures, and organised for the reprinting of new ones.

He also confirmed that his company — and not taxpayers — will “take the hit” for the new print run, estimated at around €5,000.

It is hoped that the new brochures will be ready by the weekend.

“We want to take this opportunity to apologise unreservedly for any disrespect caused to the memory of General Michael Collins and his family due to this error. Absolutely none was intended,” he said.

“Our focus and the focus of all the stakeholders and communities who have been working on Cork Rebel Week is to celebrate Cork’s rich and unique heritage and strong identity.

“A major part of the festivities is a commemoration of General Michael Collins’ legacy, with a celebration of his birthday on Oct 16 — Cork Independence Day.

“Our team has been working incredibly hard with our many partners to make this day a special one for Cork and one worthy of his memory.

“The CUH Children’s’ Unit is our charity partner for that day, who will benefit significantly from a Cork Visa initiative.

“Over 10,000 Rebel Passports have been distributed globally, and together with communities throughout the city and county over 60 events and activities have been planned.”

Fine Gael party whip, Cllr Joe O’Callaghan, described the use of the word “langer” in this context as “grossly insulting and offensive” to the memory of Collins.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Terry Shannon accused Fine Gael members of “falling over themselves” to be offended.

“While I’m happy that the brochure has been withdrawn, I don’t take particular offence to it,” he said.

“I do think it’s inappropriate and I support the withdrawal of the brochures but I think they are going over the top. They seem to be lining up to be offended.”

He also branded Rebel Week as a “Fine Gael-led initiative”.

His party colleague, Cllr Ken O’Flynn, described the controversy as “much ado about nothing”.

Mr O’Callaghan hit back and said it was “a bit rich” coming from Mr Shannon and Fianna Fáil.

“Is he saying that if the other revered sons of Cork, McCurtain, MacSwiney, or de Valera, or Jack Lynch, were referred to like this, would he be offended?” he asked.

Rebel Week begins on Oct 14.

For more information see corkrebelweek2013.com