Sir, – Mae Leonard may be interested to know that in the not too distant past, Guinness female staff were given a day off work to attend Punchestown races (“Hard going – Mae Leonard on the lure of Punchestown races”, an Irishwoman’s Diary, April 27th). This had little to do with horses but was simply considered an appropriate venue for its female staff to dress up, mix and shine in society.
In addition, in April 1900 the ladies were given a “Queen’s Day” to celebrate Queen Victoria’s visit that year. That extra day continued after Independence, eventually being added to annual leave towards the end of the 20th century. – Yours, etc,
MARION WALSH,
Donnybrook,
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Dublin 4.
