Madam, – In response to Frank McNally's query about how Dublin's Fade Street got its name ( An Irishman's Diary, February 27th) the answer is that it commemorates a short-lived dynasty of Quaker merchant bankers in the early 18th century.
The best known was the last, Joseph Francis Fade. He also built Furry Park House, which still stands, though its unique courtyard – laid out as a large-scale sundial – was demolished to make way for a private housing development in the 1980s.
Fade finally fell on hard times and had to sign over his many properties, his gold, stables, plate and even bedding to his creditors, being left in possession only of his clothes.
No doubt some contemporary merchant bankers hope they are dealt with more kindly by fate and that their names fade from the public consciousness rather faster than that of Joseph Francis. I will resist the temptation of suggesting locations in the city where we could commemorate their contribution to Irish society. – Yours, etc,