Subscriber OnlyLetters

Drinking tea from a saucer was common

Although my grandfather did it, my mother didn’t approve

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Thu Jul 30 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – One of the rules for life as laid down by the Christian Brothers stated that “it is vulgar to drink from your saucer” (Fintan O’Toole, Opinion, July 28th).

My grandfather, born in the 19th century, drank tea from a saucer because it was a common, no pun intended, way to cool down hot tea quickly. However, my mother didn’t approve. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK O’BYRNE,

Phibsborough,

READ MORE

Security heightened at Vico Baths after ‘unacceptable behaviour’ towards contractors

Glen Hansard was Ireland’s band leader, something Bono or Geldof couldn’t be

Why is Tom Brady debasing himself in a public beef?

My Finglas accent was derided at home – but in Boston, the way I talked was admired

Dublin 7.