In reference to the name of the inhabitants of Lesbos

Dear Editor, Interesting that Mary Kenny (IC 21/04/2016) empathised with that Kentish priest’s ‘lesbian’ dilemma. I think it shouldn’t have embarrassed him to have to say, “The Lesbians…” However, lesbians (small ‘l’) are not confined to Lesbos (now Lesvos), as we all know.  

Lesvos, apart from being the birthplace of the poet Sappho in the 6th Century BC – fragments of her lyric poetry have survived – caused problems for the Athenians in the following century, when its largest city, Mytilene (now Mitilini), revolted. I refer the reader to Thucydides’ History for the unhappy outcome. Pope Francis, had he been around, would certainly have rescued some of the Mytilenians – and maybe told the Athenians where to go!

Yours etc.,

Tom Seaver,

Murroe, Co. Limerick.