JOHN McDWYER,
Sir, - In the coming weeks, when the egotistical shenanigans of our sportsmen fade from memory, we will reflect that Ireland has lost a real hero called Keane this week.
Much will, quite rightly, be made of John B. Keane's awesome contribution to amateur and professional theatre, but it would be a pity if his enormous effect on ordinary community life in our country was not also acknowledged. How many community centres were roofed by Sive? How many football dressing rooms were provided by The Chastitute? And how can we quantify the additional comforts provided in day-care centres by Moll?
My personal dealings with the great man were few, but enough to show me how humble and unselfish he was in his willingness to share his God-given talent with the less gifted and with the public, always with the hope of adding to the gaiety of the nation.
Posssibly, in the future, other gifted Keanes may wish to look at a life well lived and draw their own conclusions as to what constitutes greatness. - Yours etc.,
JOHN McDWYER, Summerhill, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim.