WATCHING a dissident republican’s funeral in Dublin last week I was struck by two things, firstly, that despite the prospect of a life which involves looking over one’s shoulder every day, there are still scores of misguided and naïve young people willing to become cannon fodder for paramilitary godfathers who stay well beyond the reach of the law or a rival's bullets.
The second feeling was one of revulsion at the sight of the national flag of Ireland draped over his coffin.
No doubt the loss of this young man was deeply felt by his family or friends but he is not a national hero.
He does not merit the trappings of recognition that are usually afforded to those who have given service to the nation.
Over the years we have become accustomed to the practice of flags – both the Irish tricolour and the Union flag being wrapped around scheming politicians and paramilitaries alike.
A flag, it seems, provides all types of cover for the scoundrel. The subversive and sinister actions of plastic patriots fighting their dirty war have also debased the flags of both the United Kingdom and Ireland throughout the so-called Troubles.
When one sees what both loyalist and republican paramilitaries dressed up as patriotic acts it is not hard to understand that balaclavas and dark glasses were needed not just to protect their identities but also their shame.
Some even have the bare-faced cheek to show up at war memorials, cenotaphs and gardens of remembrance in a mockery of homage to real heroes and brave souls who would turn in their graves at the thought of the presence of these tin-pot thugs and corner-boy conmen.
This week will see a surge in leprechaun shenanigans and plastic paddy-ism as St Patrick’s Day approaches.
The politicians will set aside their differences and the small issue about who is actually governing the country as they depart Ireland en-masse in an attempt to outdo each other in their ‘Irishness’.
Even the DUP are off to an Obama hooley in Washington. Poor Obama.
But on a serious note, the attempt to kill the prison officer in east Belfast last week was a timely reminder that there are those out there who are determined to use the cover of patriotism to kill and maim in the name of a flag they shame.
It’s difficult to understand the precise logic of the PSNI senior command talking up the potential threat from dissidents in the lead up to the Easter Rising commemorations because such publicity fuels these mad misguided ideologues.
Contrast their actions with the words of Kate Carroll, widow of PSNI officer, Stephen Carroll who was murdered seven years ago last week.
With much dignity Mrs Carroll wrote on her facebook page: “If I could speak face to face with the people in our society who are still intent in causing disruption, devastation and ruining the lives of innocent people.
"I would say you took away a very important person in my life but you can never take away my memories, nor can you make me bitter, bigoted or racist.
"What you did achieve through your callousness was to make me a stronger person and make me more determined than ever to strive for a more peaceful country for my grandchildren to live in.”
Mrs Carroll eloquently defeats the would be bombers, gunmen and terrorists by becoming more resolved to create a better society.
No doubt she has dark moments, which are sustained by good memories, but like her husband she is a real patriot without the need for a flag or pointless paraphernalia to bolster up her identity.
Those seeking the cover of a flag for their actions could do well to learn from Kate Carroll and others.
As this St Patrick’s Day approaches with the Easter Rising fast on its heels, the country will be swept up in a patriotic fervour but it’s more important than ever to keep it all in perspective.
There is a need to filter out the romanticism that comes with green tinted glasses.
The past is the past. Enough of our young people have found their way onto the cold slabs of a morgue or wasted their youth in prisons for passions inflamed by false patriots.
Better we create generations who see more point in living for Ireland rather than dying for it.
