Jon Bon Jovi knows nothing of Orange tradition, Ireland, Dubin and Bono’s background

Jon Bon Jovi (Bonjiovi) has helped homeless charities and is well meaning, however he is completely wide of the mark regarding his comments regarding Bono’s childhood.

He displayed his own ignorance and clearly knows nothing of the Orange tradition, Ireland, Dublin and Bono’s background.

Sadly this uneducated distorted viewpoint of Ireland, which has been perpetuated by Irish republicans, has gained traction in the USA.

Bono or real name, Paul Hewson in his 60 years would never have seen an Orange Order parade in Dublin.

He attended Church of Ireland services with his mother Iris and attended the co-educational St. Patrick’s Grammar School (founded 1547 AD) Ireland’s oldest school, and then Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Clontarf.

Both schools based on a heritage of Protestant, Christian traditions under the patronage of the Church of Ireland.

He, along with U2 band members Dave Evans and Larry Mullen, for a time partook in an evangelical youth friendship group, Shalom fellowship.

He was married to his wife Ali Stewart in “All Saints”, Church of Ireland, Raheny, Dublin, with U2 band member Adam Clayton as his best man.

Jon Bon Jovi to educate himself should meet with members of the Orange tradition in Ireland and make a public apology.

Perhaps then, Jon Bon Jovi, as Bono has done, take a reflective look into the life and beliefs of the late pastor and author Eugen Peterson.

Ian Beamish

Castletroy, Limerick