First FG leader

YOUR columnist Diarmaid Ferriter dealt with the origins of Fine Gael (February 21).

Whatever about the Fine Gael party of today, it should be placed on record that Eamon de Valera founded a Fine Ghaedheal party in 1922.

This party was formed following a week-long meeting of the World Congress of the Irish Race in Paris from January 20-28, 1922.

The minutes of the congress record that on January 28, “it was unanimously decided that the name of the organisation should be Fine Ghaedheal (Family of the Gael), and the motto should be: ‘Beyond all telling is the destiny God has in mind for Ireland the peerless.’

Eamon de Valera was president of the new organisation.

Dr Brian P Murphy OSB

Glenstal Abbey

Murroe

Co Limerick