Sir, – We had reason to attend Barretstown recently for a few days on a camp with our daughter.
The whole experience was inspiring from start to finish. The setting of the facility, the engagement and understanding of all staff, including team leaders and volunteers who were on hand at all times with every conceivable offer of help, had to be seen and experienced to be believed.
The range of appropriate activities, coupled with top-class catering, made for a wonderful all-round experience.
This is its 20th year since it was established by its founder Paul Newman. When one considers it survives almost totally through voluntary assistance, and the support it receives from the general public through various fundraising efforts, one cannot but be impressed.
It is run on the most professional and cost-effective basis.
Against the background of recent controversies connected to the charitable sector in general, it is most important to highlight the good that is being done. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK and
FIONA FLANAGAN,
Moyglare Village,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.