Decoding our history - Break curse of division

IN so many ways history, like drink, is the curse of the Irish.

Its consequences are, naturally, culturally unavoidable but in too many instances, provoke bitterness, disappointment and for far too long, even violence.

Despite everything, it can give us many reasons to feel good about ourselves and realise that if circumstances are right we can achieve almost anything. That so many Irish people born in the early days of this Republic can see their grandchildren enjoy opportunities in education that they could not have dreamt of is no small achievement and one we should not take for granted.