Funeral Eulogies

Sir, - I refer to your Editorial "Praising the Dead" (March 30th)

Sir, - I refer to your Editorial "Praising the Dead" (March 30th). It is difficult to understand what non-practising Catholics want from their former Church. From your Editorial it would appear that they expect rights - to be baptised, married and buried from their former Church - but have no responsibilities towards comprehending the Sacraments. Those who find the Mass "irrelevant" and "uninteresting" do not wish to understand or support; they have "rights" but no "responsibilities".

The perfect example of why eulogies ought not to be encouraged was given at Princess Diana's funeral. Her brother's hypocrisy was palpable and did permanent and immeasurable damage to the British Royal Family. Unfortunately, eulogies give the perfect platform for exaggeration, gross flattery and unnecessary abuse of the truth. Too much potential harm and pain can be inflicted by insensitive rhetoric.

Some decisions made by leaders are unpopular but necessary. - Yours, etc., Joan O'Shea,

Falls Road, Shankill, Co Dublin.