Madam, - Mary Leland's fine article of December 10th on the Bolton Library omitted some important facts. My late husband David Woodworth, Dean of Cashel, did much more than sell two books.
Through meeting Bill Roth and others, his quest for funding came to the attention of the late Dr Tony Ryan. In 1986 GPA, of which Dr Ryan was chairman, funded the restoration of the library at considerable cost. The building was completely refurbished and climate control installed.
Dr Michael Smurfit funded the computer room. Two young FÁS workers were trained in the handling of rare books. The library was opened to the public, but of course attracted only the dedicated few. It now needs major funding; this was true 14 years ago and is more urgent now. The University of Limerick's interest came on July 1994 10th; David died on the 11th.
I know the present dean has worked tirelessly on behalf of the
library, but it must be remembered that he was ordained for other
things beside books. A wider interest is needed to preserve this
wonderful collection - always remembering that it belongs to, and
must stay in, Cashel. - Yours, etc,
MARY WOODWORTH BOYD,
Sandycove,
Co Dublin.