Why a memorial for Mountbatten only? - 17-09-09
Sir, As a Mullaghmore resident and local historian I am quite bemused by the 'media scrum' on the 30th anniversary of the death of Mountbatten.
Most people will remember that he was not the only victim of the troubles in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo. Margaret Perry was killed, in the most brutal of circumstances, in the woods under Mountbatten's holiday home, Classiebawn Castle, in June 1992.
Yet no one comes to grieve or to put flowers on the spot where she died! Ever! Why is it that one human life is more valued than another? No one seems to remember, or wants to remember her anniversary. Is Margaret Perry's life not as valued as Mountbatten's? Should she not be remembered as well? And if not why not? If she was Lady Margaret Perry and related to the Royal family, would things be different?
Councillor Sean McEniff has jumped on the bandwagon by proposing a memorial for Mountbatten. As a public representative surely he should be the first to recognise the hurt suffered by all, including the thousands of people sent out on coffin ships from the Classiebawn estate by Mountbatten's forbear, Lord Palmerston!
John Donne's words are as true today as when they were spoken: "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
Yours,
Joe McGowan,
'Dun Caolog', Mullaghmore,
Cliffoney, Co. Sligo.
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