Sir, – As a fellow Kilmainhamite, I share Frank McNally’s love of the Royal Hospital and of our recently adopted son, one Leonard Norman Cohen (An Irishman’s Diary, September 13th). I too was at the concert on Tuesday night as the Lord of Song sparkled as he sated us with his extensive back catalogue and some self- depreciating songs from his fine recent album.
My eye was also on the clock as it closed in on the bewitching hour, but it was not in relation to any curfew – it was in wonder at how a soon-to-be 78-year-old could play for nearly three and a half hours and still dance off the stage like the sprightly Montreal Minstrel that he is.
Begging the pardon of my neighbours’ eardrums, but where else can you say “Leonard Cohen played in our back garden”. Hallelulah! – Yours, etc,