Lack of understanding

IT is to be hoped that those putting the 1926 census online and also those dealing with the 2011 census are conversant with the Irish language.

If one searches the 1911 census online all forms completed in Irish are not fully transcribed, indicating that the person doing the work does not understand what is still the first official language of the state. All that is shown in the summary is surname, forename, age and sex. Did the transcribers not understand the Irish for birthplace, occupation etc? The most glaring of all is the name Mac Piarais. The summary shows Padraig Mac Piarais’ name as Patrick H although the original form, completed by the man himself, shows it as Padraic.

Brian P O Cinneide

Durban, South Africa