‘Irish flag should not be a standard of division’

MONSIGNOR Kevin Gillespie, the Administrator of St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, has called on people to reflect on what the Irish national flag means to us as a nation.

Speaking to the Donegal News on comments made during a funeral homily this week, the current Administrator of the Diocese of Raphoe, expressed his concerns that the Irish tricolour can at times be used as a standard of division and not as symbol of unity.

The flag of the Republic was devised to express the unity of the various communities that make our nation, he said, and is raised to honour the nation and its people.

His comments come at a time when the issue around the flying of the national flag has generated much debate and controversy. The erection of tricolours in different towns and villages in Donegal, and around the country in recent times has prompted much debate.

Monsignor Gillespie said respect for our national flag is something he feels very strongly about.

Monsignor Kevin Gillespie.

“We are all watching what’s happening and it’s not a good development,” he said.

“We need to have a sense of what the flag symbolises. It’s a symbol of the unity and identity of our nation. We should raise it to honour what is noblest in our nation and society.

“It should always be a symbol we look up to.”

Monsignor Gillespie said the fact that the country has just elected a new President, now could be an opportune time to reflect on what the national flag means to us and what we stand for as a nation.

Earlier this week, Mgr Gillespie celebrated the funeral Mass of Barney McMonagle from Letterkenny. In his homily at the Mass in St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Mgr Gillespie referred to Mr McMonagle’s contribution to his beloved St. Eunan’s GAA club where he spent many years helping with the upkeep of O’Donnell Park.

One of Mr McMonagle’s duties was to oversee the flying of the national and club flags on match days, and his care for the flags was highlighted by Mgr Gillespie.

“I think his particular care of the national flag is a lesson worth absorbing,” he said.

“We should always treat the tricolour with the greatest respect and honour since our forefathers gave their lives for our liberty, and their idealism for the highest standard of life and public service and this is what our flag stands for.

“It should never be treated as a prop or a standard of division.”

Speaking to the Donegal News, Mgr Gillespie also remarked that it often saddens him to see flags fall into a state of disrepair when they are left up for too long, and not taken care of.

He said it’s very disrespectful to allow our national flag to become tattered or dirty.

He added that traditionally, our national flag was flown from certain public buildings, or in times of national importance or for local celebrations.

“Unfortunately, our own history has lessons about how flags can be considered divisive,” he added, “and it would be good for us to take care of this symbol that belongs to all who make up our communities”.