Honouring Jack Fitzsimons in Kells

(Editor, Meath Chronicle)

Dear sir - Your readers may be aware that RISE TD Paul Murphy recently launched a Bill which seeks to ban enclosed hare coursing. Perhaps it's time to ask ourselves, as a society have we moved on from what some see as a barbaric spectacle? Or do we believe this traditional rural pursuit should be protected and left alone by the clattering Dublin elite? I understand from a recent RED C poll that 77 per cent of Irish citizens want to see an end to live hare coursing, with only nine per cent supporting its continuation.

Irrespective of your view, I think the contribution of former Kells Senator Jack Fitzsimons to this debate must be considered. Jack began this conversation back when Charlie Haughey was Taoiseach in 1988 when it was neither socially or electorally popular or profitable to openly oppose live hare coursing. In fact it was Jack's hardline stance on hare coursing and his wish to see its discontinuation which ultimately ended his career in Oireachtas Éireann. Having lost his Senate seat in 1989, he was subsequently elected as an Independent member of Meath County Council in 1991 primarily on the issue of getting hare coursing banned, along with Travellers' rights and the equality of women.

Separately, I want to also refer here to a recent article of Jimmy Geoghegan (20th September 2020) in which he made the case, very eloquently, that a street or indeed a statue should be dedicated to the memory of the late Jack Fitzsimons in his adopted town of Kells. This is a proposal which I fully support. Jack Fitzsimons' role in pulling us out of dire housing conditions through 'Bungalow Bliss' cannot and should not be underestimated or forgotten. The other merits of this proposal and the innumerable achievements of Jack Fitzsimons are far too many to mention here. I hope to work with county council colleagues in Kells to realise this proposal.

Yours,

Cllr Paul McCabe,

Cathaoirleach Kells Municipal District.

(Editor, Meath Chronicle)