A chara, – Contrary to a letter-writer's view (November 13th), Galway was not awarded borough status in 1985. This was granted in 1484 and reconfirmed by the Local Government (Galway) Act, 1937. The city was awarded county borough status in 1985 not because its population had surpassed that of Waterford – that had occurred sometime between 1971 and 1981 – but to celebrate the city's quincentennial in 1984. – Yours, etc,
GERRY LAWLESS,
Ballinasloe,
Co Galway.