ST PATRICK'S FESTIVAL

ADRIAN HEWSON,

ADRIAN HEWSON,

Sir, - March 17th, 2002, was a wet day, upsetting parade organisers throughout the land. Isn't it time St Patrick was issued with an ultimatum: better weather, or else the nation transfers its allegiance to St Colmcille, whose feast day falls on June 9th.

Perhaps The Irish Times could convey our feelings to the national apostle on the matter? It could also inform him that we are well capable of drowning the shamrock ourselves and we don't need precipitational assistance. If he doesn't oblige he should be threatened with a referendum on the issue. - Yours,

ADRIAN HEWSON,

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Convent Hill,

Roscrea,

Co Tipperary.

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Sir, - Can you credit it? I think this is known as biting off your nose to spite your face. Many families braved the weather to support the St Patrick's Day parade, only to have their cars clamped. I'm pretty sure those people will consider it too expensive to support the parade ever again. Let's not penalise people on their own national holiday. I was brought up to think that St Patrick had banished all the snakes. - Yours, etc.,

Mrs MOYRA O'REILLY,

Killakee Grove,

Firhouse,

Dublin 24.