The meaning of Jackeen

In response to the request from Maura Murphy of Dungarvan (Letters, Aug 27), I am happy to inform her the 1913 Webster’s Dictionary definition of a ‘jackeen’ was of a “drunken dissolute fellow”.

There are older references going back to the 16th century, none of them complimentary!, but none to do with the waving of the national flag of the UK. In any event, Cork by far outdid Dublin in its effusive welcome for HRM on her recent sojourn.

Matt Treacy