Sir, - In his column "Times Square" (May 28th), Brendan Glacken questions the merits of a recent arts initiative undertaken by Macra na Feirme in conjunction with the Arts Council. Mr Glacken pokes fun at the artistic aspirations of his young "rural cousins" and explains at length why he has problems with the idea of Macra ne Feirme members starting a Samba band.
As President of Macra na Feirme, an organisation of 10,000 young enthusiastic rural dwellers, I would ask Mr Glacken to bear with our efforts and see them for what they are an effort to bring some life, some fun and some differing cultures to our members.
People questioned Macnas, when a group of artists in Galway decided to launch their vision of street theatre in Galway - now they do so across the world. People laughed at the group of young lads from Tuam when they began to sing about their ordinary lives in a small West of Ireland town, and look at them now.
If the writer wants to maintain his stereotypical view of Macra members queuing up at their local parish hall for "line dancing" lessons, he is perfectly free to do so. The present initiative will continue despite ridicule, as will many others. - Yours, etc.,
National president,
Macra na Feirme,
Irish Farm Centre,
Bluebell,
Dublin 12.