Defending The Clergy

Sir, - Not only do I find myself in the unusual position of agreeing with Kevin Myers, but his eloquence (An Irishman's Diary…

Sir, - Not only do I find myself in the unusual position of agreeing with Kevin Myers, but his eloquence (An Irishman's Diary, August 13th) forces me to write this letter. He asks: "Are we a better society now that we turn our back on the people who for generations ran our schools and our hospitals, who selflessly served in the missions and orphanages?" He makes a sturdy defence of the vast majority of brothers, nuns, and priests who served this nation well over many generations. He is amazed that his earlier article produced much private mail to him, but only one letter to the Editor.

Perhaps I can explain. The vast majority of the thousands who were educated or cared for by religious orders hold them collectively, and most of them individually, in the highest esteem. We never joined this media-led witch hunt as we know exactly the tremendous contribution made by the Christian Brothers and by nuns. The skills and competencies many of us enjoy can be traced back to our teachers. This is not to deny or minimise the real experience of those who were unjustly treated by the few.

Recently I had the sad privilege to speak, as a past pupil, at the graveside of a great educator - a Christian Brother who had taught me - and I was pleased to be able to pay a public tribute to him and to all of the Christian Brothers who taught me. My tribute concluded with a most appropriate quotation from the patriot Lord Mayor of Cork Terence McSwiney: "He has led a beautiful life and he has left a beautiful field. He sacrificed the hour to give service for all time. He has gone to join the great with whom he will be honoured for ever." Kevin Myers is right for once. - Yours, etc., Donal Donnelly,

Willow Road, Dundrum, Co Dublin.