Madam, - Wesley Boyd's Irishman's Diary on Alistair Cooke (September 30th) was a fitting centenary tribute to the great broadcaster whose Letter from America was always a joy to listen to.
Mr Cooke was very disappointed that the BBC denied him the exit he wanted, finishing up by announcing beforehand that this was his last letter. He wanted his exit to be a curt two words after his usual "Good-night", namely: "Good-night and good-bye".
There was no beating about the bush for Alistair Cooke. - Yours, etc,
FINBARR SLATTERY, Orchard Close, Killarney, Co Kerry.