Sir, – A recent Irishman’s Diary (Hugh Oram, January 4th), which mentioned St Colman’s Industry and its founder Eva O’Flaherty, brought me back happy memories of the summer of 1948. With the loan of an elderly Baby Austin and the gift of some petrol coupons, we spent our honeymoon in Co Mayo. We stayed in the late lamented Amethyst Hotel in Keel and drove on the very rocky road to Keem Bay. We visited the thriving St Colman’s Industry and had tea with Ms O’Flaherty.
For years I enjoyed a hand- woven emerald green cardigan and scarf and often thought of the remarkable woman who brought such creative activity to such a remote and beautiful place. – Yours, etc,