In a recent exchange of letters to The Tablet, a Catholic newspaper, and The Spectator, an accusation of inaccuracy has taken center stage, challenging the reliability of historical claims regarding religious conversions in Ireland. The debate began when a correspondent, John Frimland of the Catholic Presbytery in Bedford, questioned the metaphorical nature of a phrase found in the words of institution, “Hoc Ithaohat Pagri,” translating to “This is My Body,” and expressed skepticism about the understanding of this metaphor by the Jewish community.
However, the primary focus of this historical discourse took a turn when another correspondent, self-identified as “A Limerick Man,” responded to a prior letter criticizing the accuracy of the Irish people. “A Limerick Man” defended the Irish character against broad generalizations and turned the discussion towards historical accuracy, particularly challenging claims made by The Spectator about an “Irish marauder.”
The crux of the matter lies in the assertion made by Mr Birrell, a public figure, that “no Irish Protestant ever becomes a Roman Catholic.” While acknowledging the statement’s rough accuracy, “A Limerick Man” questioned the absolute truth of this claim and cited specific instances from Limerick to counter it. The correspondent underscored the need to differentiate between inaccurate individuals and the entire population.
The debate intensified as the focus shifted to The Spectator’s narrative of the eighth Earl of Kildare, labeled by “A Limerick Man” as a “true tale.” The accuracy of this historical account became a point of contention, with the correspondent challenging the veracity of the story. In doing so, “A Limerick Man” highlighted potential inaccuracies in the original letter, raising questions about the precise date of the English Reformation and challenging the characterization of Dr Creagh, Archbishop of Cashel, as the head of the English interest in Ireland.
Regarding the date of the English Reformation, “A Limerick Man” questioned the clarity of defining the exact moment when the Reformation occurred. The correspondent pointed out the complexity of this historical period, which involved a series of royal actions and parliamentary decisions over several reigns, making it challenging to pinpoint a single defining moment.
Moreover, “A Limerick Man” contested the depiction of Archbishop David Creagh as the head of the English interest in Ireland during his tenure as Archbishop of Cashel. While acknowledging the lack of a serious inaccuracy in attributing only a bachelor’s degree to the Archbishop, the correspondent challenged the notion that Creagh was a champion of the English interest against the powerful Earl of Kildare. Instead, the correspondent suggested a more accurate characterization of Creagh as a Lancastrian or Tudorite, aligning him with the Butlerite faction, while Kildare was associated with the Yorkite faction.
The exchange of letters brings to light not only historical disputes but also the broader question of accuracy in historical narratives. The challenge to traditional claims, whether theological or historical, prompts a reexamination of established beliefs. As the debate unfolds, it invites readers to critically assess historical accounts and underscores the importance of precise language when making assertions about complex events and figures from the past.
Tablet – Saturday 28 December 1907
