Sir, – One such father stood, a forlorn figure, at about 10am almost every day at the corner of St John’s Square, Limerick, under the shadow of the 280ft spire of the cathedral, observing his daughter as she marched in twin file from the local convent school to the Good Shepherd Convent and laundry where she lived.
It seemed to be his only way of keeping a watchful eye on her.
It was the early 1960s and it was generally not known whether the man in dark working clothes and cap, standing with his bicycle, had any control or option over his or his daughter’s circumstances.
He was certainly not a missing father, but looked a helpless figure, probably a victim of that grey time and of the laws and circumstances that pertained.
I never knew the outcome for father or daughter, however, the scene burned an indelible picture in my memory of a sad parent and an era that should not be forgotten but best left to history.
He should be remembered. – Yours, etc,