Footprints In the Sands of Time

As I come to the end of five years of college life in U.C.G., and more importantly, half a decade’s involvement with the Lit’n’Deb, I thought it an opportune time to reflect upon the past years of the society. Having read over the Minutes of the Society since the 1930’s, there follows some extracts that caught my eye.

They were of a different kind, the names that still our childish play…..

On the 6^th day of December 1938, the Society debated the motion “That this House deplores the lack of Republican Spirit in this Generation.” The meeting was held in the Greek Hall at 8pm, the visiting Chairman Prof. T. Dillon, on the invitation of the Auditor, took the chair. Mr C. McGrath. Vice-Auditor, opened the debate for the motion. He held that if the Tommies were again brought to the 26 counties they would he cheered by the populace, that the people would sell their freedom for money. He deplored the half hearted attempts made to abolish partition and expressed the view that the present 26 counties Government is not sincere.

Mr Arthur deplored the fact that it was once again his sad duty to defend the Empire in the face of criticism. Having confessed to an ignorance of the history of Ireland, he announced that he believed in the British Empire. He spoke of the anti-civic spirit of republicans, said that no one wants a Republic. that our interests were linked with those of Great Britain, that from her we should get protection against totalitarian states. Mr Arthur believes that the border should he removed, making the 26 counties part of the Commonwealth.

Miss Aherne spoke of the great progress made by the young Republics and gave America as an example. Mr E. O’Malley spoke of the varying degrees of Republicanism from violent fanaticism to just republican opinions. He expressed his disagreement with the outlook of fanatics who fought for the Republic by carrying time-bombs in suit-cases.

Mr J. Henchy spoke of the apathy in the rising generation, the lack of National consciousness, and the need for a complete, Gaelic, independent Ireland. He advocated a return to the “Golden Age,” the pre-Christian Ireland. He spoke of Mr. Arthur’s complete ignorance of the situation. Mr McNichols said that the British Empire was the only thing to cling to in these times. The stubborn Irish Spirit should be replaced by broad-minded outlook. We have gained our freedom; the former tyrant is now our friend. We have no defence against attack except Britain.

Mr Donovan spoke of Pseudo-Republicanism and unlawful assassinations. Republicanism is dead and is only resurrected at election time; it is exploited in Irish politics. (Unfortunately the records do not reflect if the motion was carried or defeated).

Maybe at last being but a broken man I must be satisfied with my Heart…..

On Thursday March 18^th 1962, Dr. Noel Browne TD, who has been one of the most controversial Ministers in the Irish Government since the foundation of the State, addressed the society on the motion “That Socialism is Ireland’s hope.” He said that Socialism, like all great ideologies suffered many frustration and misrepresentations in this country. Most people quite wrongly dismiss Socialism as Communism, but Dr. Browne pointed out that in highly socialised countries, the Communist party did not get a grip at all. It is plain in this case that Socialism is our answer to communism. In this country there were many barriers between ourselves and the realization of the Welfare State. But in these, as in the olden belief in the Divine Right of Kings would pass away through time. A vote of thanks was then proposed and carried and the House showed its genuine gratitude to Dr. Browne by a tremendous handclap. The motion was defeated on a show of hands.

No reflection on the Lit’n’Deb would be complete without mentioning at least one Private Members Time motion. On November 5^th 1981, John Donovan proposed the motion “That the Corresponding Secretary write to the Prince and Princess of Wales congratulating them on the announcement of the Princesses’ pregnancy”. John Britton 3^rd Eng. seconded. Pat Rickard 2^nd Comm opposed as the couple would in time receive their reward. Eoin O’Meoleoin’s amendment that the Prince be congratulated on his quick and efficient work was refused as was Uetar De Burca’s that the identity of the milkman be revealed. Tom Cassidy said that the event had been decreed 2,000 years ago quoting the biblical words “Di will be done.” The motion was defeated.

Unfortunately I am unable to convey all of the many interesting and often humorous events to which the society has played host, for to do so would fill many Journals. To learn about the many historic and social developments in Ireland in the past 70 years, one need only look through the minutes of the Society. They contain the contemporary student conjecture, from Hitler’s baleful rise to power in Germany to the senseless slaughter of Bloody Sunday; the members of the Society had an opinion. John F. Kennedy once said that when the sands of centuries have passed over our cities, we too will be remembered, not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit. The Literary and Debating Society, unlike any other Institution serves to stir the human spirit, in a very unique way. Having done so for the past century and a half, it will no doubt do so for many years to come. Nunc Nunc Qui Timet Eloqui, I beg to propose.

Ronan O. Feehily B.Comm. (3^rd LLB)

Auditor 1998/99