LETTER: How Ireland got its martyrs

Sir: Perhaps more significant than the anti-Irish propaganda of Gerald of Wales (report, 20 March) was the prophetic answer he received from the Archbishop of Cashel, whom he reproached for the lack of Irish martyrs.

"It is true," said the venerable gentleman, "that although our people are very barbarous, uncivilised and savage, nevertheless they have always paid great honour and reverence to churchmen, and they have never put out their hands against the saints of God. But now a people has come to the kingdom which knows how, and is accustomed, to make martyrs. From now on Ireland will have its martyrs, just as other countries."

Jean Lawes

Hereford