Dear Editor, Regarding the front page of your paper (IC 16/01/2020), I read with alarm the decision made by authorities in Mary Immaculate College in Limerick to disallow the Certificate of Christian Ethics in Healthcare being made available.
Hospital chaplains clearly showed ample interest in the development of the programme – which led to it being produced – that the university shouldn’t have dismissed it so readily. These chaplains face huge moral dilemmas and stress in overcrowded hospitals and deserve better, it’s not like the HSE would be offering similar training. Not just these chaplains, but other persons in the medical professions could benefit hugely.
Prof. Eamonn Conway, quoted in the article, is only right when he expresses the concern: “I sincerely hope this will not cause any damage to our Catholic ethos. Our Catholic identity has been very important in forging strategic links with colleges overseas and as a department we remain very committed to serving the Church’s mission.”
The university is publicly funded, so why shouldn’t they provide for the needs of members of the public in need of this training? The university apparently has a Catholic ethos, is it doing enough to maintain and promote that ethos among students and staff (I doubt it)? I have a good few questions for this lot.
It may be too outlandish to believe that there may be some pressure from on high to keep the university as secular as humanly possible – a growing trend on this Emerald Isle. But I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss it, and will be keeping a beady eye on all future decisions made by MIC.
Yours etc.,
Alan McCarthy,
Tallaght, Dublin.
Enjoyable stroll with Cannings and McAleese
Dear Editor, I enjoyed Joe Cannings inspirational one-to-one with Mary McAleese on RTÉ, as they strolled through the stony bóithrín on the Mám Éan pilgrimage in Connemara.
I’ve always liked Joe’s attitude in post-match interviews and how he showed such respect to the memory of another Galway Great, Tony Keady when The Tribesmen brought home The McCarthy Cup in 2017.
Joe mentioned his habit of taking Holy Water as he left home. That was such a handed down “Slán abhaile” ritual at almost every doorway one time and if you didn’t dip in the erected font yourself, it would be scattered in your direction; my Mam showered it on us as we left for the local dance, sometimes affecting the back-combed hairdo! We never forgot that parting blessing and I hope Joe’s reminder will now rekindle thoughts of the Holy Font refill.
Yours etc.,
Eilís Uí Bhriain,
Castlelyons, Cork.
Praising coverage of Seamus Mallon
Dear Editor, I’m writing to praise the coverage done by The Irish Catholic regarding Seamus Mallon (IC 30/01/2020), a true hero of his time.
Martin O’Brien’s insightful and extensive interview was brilliant and your editorial did him a great justice.
When I was growing up he was also a towering figure during my childhood, and his work towards peace will never be forgot.
Although there is still more to do in the North regarding the process towards reconciliation, his efforts, as well as many others, should continue to be an example to every one of us.
Yours etc.,
John McCarthy,
Enniskillen,
Co. Fermanagh.
Aontú are only worthwhile party
Dear Editor, We may not agree to all of Aontú policies, but the most important issue for Ireland today is the right to life. All the other leading parties in Ireland have blood on their hands. To even give them a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th vote is assisting in the continuous murder of pre-born Irish children in our land.
Yours etc.,
Kate Barry-Murphy,
Waterfall, Co. Cork.
Polluted homes: an important issue
Dear Editor, Polluted homes cause a myriad of health issues and I don’t believe enough people know about it. So it was good to see your article in the Family and Lifestyle section (IC 23/01/2020) tackling the issue of air quality in houses.
For example in my house, I have banned my children from using aerosol deodorants – as well as being detrimental for the environment, they are dreadful for the lungs, breathing in all those chemicals.
I regularly open windows to air out rooms, keeping things ventilated. Issues like mould need to be regularly checked as they can contribute to all sorts of health issues such as asthma.
Drying clothes indoors is a must for me during the winter due to a busy household but I always try to keep windows open and for cooking I leave the extractor fan on that bit longer.
As the article correctly states using bleach isn’t a good idea against mould, as these toxic solutions can evaporate and can lead to the user breathing in harmful chemicals. Using a mask and opening a window is essential.
What I use, when the occasion calls for it, is simple vinegar, which has always work for me. Just spray it on and leave it for a few hours before giving it a scrub.
To be honest, I generally use homemade cleaning products for my home – it’s hard to find more natural brands that aren’t as chemically volatile and dangerous, but that’s a story for another day.
Yours etc.,
Katie O’Hara,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth.
Trump’s ‘wonderful’ March for Life speech
Dear Editor, I have just seen the 47th March for Life in Washington on the wonderful EWTN Catholic TV station. What really amazed me and delighted me was the wonderful speech made by US President Donald Trump. A number of other politicians also spoke at the march.
What a contrast in Ireland, I hope people in Ireland remember that not only did our president not support our pro-life people, he signed abortion into law.
Yours etc.,
Helen Gately,
Athlone.
Cartoons err on ‘skit of sacred’
Dear Editor, I’m a great fan of The Irish Catholic, getting it every week. I’ve often contacted you to congratulate you on your integrity and search for the truth.
One small niggling factor. I find that your cartoons in the letter page can often time err on the side of ‘skit of the sacred’.
I intended sending this a while back, and have only done so now.
Keep up the good work.
Yours etc.,
Lorraine Doran,
Fionnradharc, Dublin 3.
Timing of future elections
Dear Editor, In view of the multiplicity of promises being made by all parties, would it not be more opportune to hold future elections before Christmas? Then children and adults alike, could look forward to the arrival of Santa Claus.
Yours etc.,
Steve McGarry,
Bishopstown, Cork.
Guns: action not rhetoric
Dear Editor, Drugs are causing growing violence and huge despair in Irish communities. It was great to see your front page article with the headline: ‘Guns, drugs and killings need urgent Irish response’ (IC 23/01/2020). I’ve seen this get worse over the decades and the young boy who was killed in Drogheda in January is an example of the darkest, most sickening depths of inhumanity these people have no problem descending to.
A strong reaction is needed, a real clampdown and not just rhetoric from our Government. It needs to happen to keep our young people safe and stop those already in the throes of addiction being used to sell drugs and commit violent acts for the benefit of gangland kingpins who think they are untouchable. These monsters must be punished.
Your etc.,
Harry O’Sullivan,
Harold’s Cross, Dublin.