Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I agree the 1,000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf is a very important event. It is worth noting that the 4,900 soldiers on Brian Boru's side, mostly Munster and Connacht men, were faced in battle with 4,000 Leinster men and 3,000 Vikings. In other words, it was not a case of Ireland against the Vikings but, essentially, Munster against Leinster aided by the Vikings. That scenario has since been repeated on the rugby field on many occasions. In fact, the great Irish rugby star Keith Wood is planning a major event at Killaloe, from whence Brian Boru made his departure for Clontarf. Mr. Wood is very far advanced in his preparations in that regard and I will give him every possible support in his endeavours.

All the other aspects of this commemoration, including arts, music, our marine heritage and so on, will be examined. It is an exciting opportunity as part of the broader programme of commemorations taking place in the coming years. The year 2014 is also the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The millennium commemoration of the Battle of Clontarf will afford us an opportunity to examine the contribution the Vikings made to this country, of which the young people in the Visitors Gallery are undoubtedly aware. As a history teacher I was always careful to portray the Vikings as more than mere raiders. They were very much involved in trade, craft, art and so on. Apart from the plundering of our monasteries at Lambay and elsewhere, we should not forget their contribution to our cultural heritage and to the development of our major towns and settlements.

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