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Ireland in danger of losing ancient spirit? Yes, says Nobel Laureate

Seamus Heaney has given warning that modern Ireland is in danger of losing its unique spiritual values to the brashly secular economy-driven values of the “Celtic Tiger”.

In a lament for a lost Ireland, the Nobel laureate said that the Celtic Tiger — the catchphrase that has come to stand for modern Ireland’s economic success — was attacking the ancient symbol of Ireland: the harp.

The focus of this battle between two visions of Ireland is Tara, an ancient site sacred to pagans and Christians that is under threat from the construction of a motorway.

Mr Heaney said that, if the controversial M3 were to be forced through Tara in County Meath, where the High Kings once sat, it “will be a sort of signal that the priorities on these islands have changed”.

Posted on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 6:53 PM | Comments (0) | Return

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