NORMAN RUDDOCK,
Madam, - One of the tragedies of the Arts Council cutbacks is the Limerick Music Association, which has made an outstanding contribution to Irish music over the past 35 years. The founder and organiser of the LMA, John Ruddock, has brought an incredible number of world musicians to Ireland - the Berlin Octet, the Panocha, Takács and Vogler string quartets and countless others.
The University of Limerick recognised John Ruddock's contribution to music by awarding him a doctorate. The former Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, appointed him as a member of the National Concert Hall. The Austrian government awarded him the highest decoration in the land.
It seems appalling that the LMA has received no grant from the Arts Council. I hope that there is still time to rectify this grave omission and that people will write to the Arts Council and protest. - Yours, etc.,
NORMAN RUDDOCK,
Chairman,
Music for Wexford,
Davitt Road North,
Wexford.