Sir, – Further to the warm appreciation of my former colleague Noel McFarlane by Judi Doherty (March 20th), there are many examples of Noel’s brilliant way with language in The Irish Times archive, alas anonymous as is the way with the humble sub-editor, but one that remains in my memory is the headline he composed for Maeve Binchy’s colourful report (June 22nd, 1982) on British reaction to Prince William’s birth: “All say aah as the heir becomes a parent”. – Yours, etc,
JOE BREEN,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.