Fr Michael Cleary

Sir, – Further to Fintan O'Toole's "Fr Michael Cleary story not up for revisionism" (Opinion & Analysis, July 1st), as a young student I had the opportunity to hear Fr Cleary preach on a number of occasions. He was funny, but also inspirational both in terms of having a real sense of social justice, particularly for the less well off, and a passion for being a priest.

It is a shame that unlike others who left the priesthood because of the confines of celibacy, Fr Cleary lived a double life, no doubt because of his love of ministering as a priest. – Yours, etc,

FRANK BROWNE,

Ballyroan Park,

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Templeogue,

Dublin 16.