Proclamation inspired education revolution

I LISTENED with interest to the “what if?” discussion on RTÉ radio on Sunday, November 7.

It concerned Donogh O’Malley who as minister for education introduced free education in this state.

Around that time, in 1966, Mr O’Malley addressed a meeting of the Fianna Fáil comhairle ceanntair in Macroom, Co Cork.

In the course of his speech, he stated that his main inspiration in taking that momentous decision was the 1916 proclamation, which promised to cherish all the children of the nation equally. He felt that as 1966 was the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, it was appropriate that at least one section of the proclamation should be implemented.

We are very privileged to have such a noble document as an inspiration.

Michael O’Connor

Kilvoultra

Macroom

Co Cork