THE LONG association between Charles Haughey and the Blasket Island of Inismhicileáin (pronounced “Inishvickillaun”) off the Kerry coast is the subject of a collection of papers donated yesterday to the State by the late taoiseach’s family.
Speaking at the Great Blasket Island visitor centre in Dún Chaoin (Dunquin), Dr Martin Mansergh, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, said he was delighted to accept the seven large boxes of personal papers belonging to a man with whom he “had the honour” to work, in a close capacity, for 11 years.
“Such was his renowned devotion to the island, to which he sailed once a year, and where he spent most of his summer holidays, that it still remains firmly associated with him in the eyes of the public today. We all have, as Tourism Ireland encourages even visitors to have, our own Ireland that belongs to our imagination. Inismhicileáin was very much part of Charles Haughey’s Ireland.
“The collection of personal papers, being kindly presented by the Haughey family to the Blasket centre, reflects the broad range of interests of the former taoiseach.
“The individual items range from correspondence with renowned academics to short, hand-written notes to members of the local community, environmental reports, nature studies, historical and archaeological publications, folklore and place-name research, music tapes, technical plans, maps and photographs.
“Charles Haughey had a keen interest in the previous occupants of the island from early historic times to the Daly family from whom he purchased the property in 1974.”
Asserting that Mr Haughey was an environmental “green” before the term came into general use, Dr Mansergh pointed out that the late taoiseach had established a breeding herd of Irish red deer on the island in order to ensure the survival of the species.
“Less successful, but nevertheless reflecting an admirable concern and vision, was his effort to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to the island and this archive documents the expert, scientific approach deployed in the project,” the Minister of State said.
A wider interest in ornithology and marine ecosystems was also reflected in the papers, which include studies and reports on birdlife, underwater habitats, and the island’s large grey seal colony.
Mr Haughey’s exploration of “alternative energy” possibilities on the island is also documented, with reports on the potential of wind, wave and solar electricity generation.
“It is also noteworthy that the collection of papers reflects Mr Haughey’s unwavering support for the efforts to preserve the cultural legacy of the Great Blasket Island, the largest island in the archipelago, and home and inspiration to some of the greatest writers in the Irish language,” Dr Mansergh said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sean Haughey, who is Minister for State at the Department of Education and Science, recalled how his father had a great love for west Kerry ever since his first visit to the Ballyferriter area in 1940.
