Sir, – I wish to congratulate the organisers of the relaxed space area at the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade for the wonderful day we had. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed and looked after by every staff member we encountered. Being in an inclusive area where we felt comfortable and that our autistic son could enjoy the day meant everything to us. We could never have dreamed of bringing him into the parade without this area. Every single detail was thought of and a lot of organisers could take note of how to provide such an area so all venues can be inclusive for large events.
Well done to the St Patrick’s Festival, Dublin City Council, AsIAm, Neurodiversity Ireland and all who contributed to this event. – Yours, etc,
LORNA WALSH,
Sandyford,
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Dublin 18.
A chara, – What’s the story with “grown-ups” hogging the barriers at the Dublin parade? Despite heading into town to see the parade, my children saw none of it! – Is mise,
RUTH HOPKINS,
Artane,
Dublin 5.
Sir, – Strolling around Dublin in the late evening of St Patrick’s Day was an uplifting experience. Groups of well-behaved and joyous young people, lots of gardaí, and council street cleaners out in force. Having witnessed several similar evenings over many years with a lot less savoury sights, I congratulate all concerned for reclaiming our city. – Yours, etc,
JOHN REIDY,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – Barry Kelly (Letters, March 13th) tries to dispel the notion that the St Patrick’s Day Dublin parade is regularly witnessed by up to half a million people, claiming that the route would have to be lined 50 deep with people on both sides in order to accommodate such numbers.
But Mr Kelly, as a Dubliner, should know that the Dubs are well capable of squeezing into tight spots. Weren’t there a hundred thousand of them in the GPO during Easter Week 1916? – Yours, etc,
LIAM STENSON,
Galway.
Sir, – Isn’t it time we rediscovered some sort of traditional dress for festive occasions? The Scots and Bretons did it so why can’t we offer the public something better than the paddywhackery imported from overseas every year? Much of this portrayal of Irishness is based on Victorian caricatures – the top-hatted, shillelagh-carrying drunken Paddy.
The longer we allow the promotion of these ridiculous stereotypes, the harder it will be to end them. – Yours, etc,
JOE COY,
Tuam,
Co Galway.