Sir, - My foreboding over the 12th of July celebrations is lightened by a recent symbol of hope. I refer to the recent performance by the regimental band of the Irish Guards at the National Concert Hall in Dublin. It is regrettable that this "good news" story did not receive the coverage it deserved. Unfortunately the protesters outside the hall received more attention than the concert itself.
The event was truly historic: the first occasion that a British army band played in public in this Republic since the time of independence. It was also the first occasion that British and Irish military bands played on the same platform. The musicians of the Army No. 1 band performed with great panache and were not overawed in their performance by their more famous visitors. It was a great musical treat to hear the joint ensemble fill the auditorium with their full and melodious sound. It is a pity that a professional music critic did not review the event. The performance would have impressed the most discerning of critics.
One of the more moving pieces was the performance of the Derry Air, which the programme sensitively listed as an "Irish Tune from Co Derry." The official programme concluded with a stirring rendition of St Patrick's Day, the regimental march of the Irish Guards.
The evening overflowed with symbolism; the crimson and green tunics of the British and Irish soldier musicians, the regimental crest of the Irish Guards adorning the music stands and the alternating conducting of the ensemble by Irish and British officers.
There were many men in the audience wearing the regimental necktie of the Irish Guards association. It was good that they had an opportunity to wear them in public with pride.
It was very pleased and moved to have been at such a wonderful event. - Yours, etc.,
Leonard Condren, Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.