History lesson

COLETTE Sheridan nearly got it right in her “Dumbed Down Brits” column (Irish Examiner, Oct 24).

Though Bob Geldof, Bono and Arthur Wellesley got honourable mention, she missed out on that famous 'British' explorer, Ernest Shackleton. Born Feb 15, 1874, at Kilkee House, Athy, Co Kildare (Encyclopedia Britannica claims, Kilkee, Co Clare), he did not leave these shores until he was nearly ten.

Come to think of it, that is about the age of the former 'Irish' labour leader and patriot, James Connolly, before he left his 'native' Scotland for Dublin oops. Yes, Colette is right; the British are dodgy on history and origins but are they alone?