Sir, – The creation of a new and more accessible pathway to the top of Croagh Patrick may have unforeseen and far-reaching consequences (“Pathway to top of Croagh Patrick almost complete”, News, March 31st). The penitential aspect of climbing to the summit is key to this form of religious engagement and cannot easily be ignored. Virtue was attained as a result of difficulty endured and effort expended – the greater the discomfort the greater the virtue. This equation has now been compromised. Greater accessibility and lesser discomfort may result in a diminished accretion of virtuous attainment. This is a theological consideration. It may well be an ecumenical matter. – Yours, etc,
GERRY WALKER,
Tinahely,
Co Wicklow.