politician and nationalist hero Daniel O'Connell is mentioned and quoted as saying that Irish people should learn English and that the Irish language was a barrier to modern progress. Anglicisation of place names, including Baile Beag (the setting), is prominent in the dialogue, because it is Lieutenant Yolland's professional assignment. A national school is to open in the town, replacing the existing hedge school. Characters Hugh and Jimmy remember how they marched to battle during the 1798 rebellion against the British influence in Ireland, only to march back home upon feeling homesick. The play's focus on the Anglicization of names of the Irish towns and cities is based on the Ordnance Survey during 1824–46, which was intended for more efficient work in tax regulations and military planning. References External links 1980 plays County Donegal in fiction Fiction set in 1833 Irish language Plays by Brian Friel Plays set in Ireland Plays set in the 19th century Translation