Madam, - Maybe it's the post-Easter back-to-work blues, but Rachel Stanley really touched a raw nerve with her reference to "boring and tedious brass bands" (March 28th).
For 30 years, I have been a brass band musician, providing music on St Patrick's day, hail rain and snow (and once or twice, sunshine). Our work doesn't end on March 18th. All year round, we practise, teach, perform and compose new music, as part of our Irish urban cultural heritage that dates back 200 years.
If Ms Stanley is bored by this, that's her business, but please don't put us in the same category as commercial floats.
Brass bands all around the country are part of, and dedicated to, their communities. We took part in the parades when they were dull, grey, and boring. Now that they are joyous and colourful, we are still taking part, doing our bit as best we can for the people who have always cheered us on.
Considering all the times that God has failed to intervene in man's affairs, I wouldn't depend on the recent clement Paddy's Day weather as a sign of His favour.
And the bands will march on next year, regardless of the begrudgers and the possible frostbite! - Yours, etc.,
PHIL DUNPHY, Castlehyde, Fermoy, Co Cork.