Madam, - I must disagree with W.G. O'Connor (December 2nd) when he claims that The Royal Hospital Donnybrook, founded in 1743, is the oldest charity in Ireland.
We in New Ross are proud of our "Master Brethren and Poor of the Hospital of the Holy Trinity", founded by a local merchant Thomas Gregory and granted a Royal Charter by Elizabeth I on February 12th 1577. Conditions for entry to his institution were simple: in need, poor, native of the town or residing there for 12 months. Religion should not play a part.
With voluntary help this charity has continued the work of caring for the poor since its foundation without State aid or health-board subvention thanks to the continued support of the towns people who have always responded generously when called upon when or finances really get desperate.
We are also grateful to the Department of Justice, which from time to time sends us small donations. We think it's the share-out of some Courthouse Poor Box. - Yours, etc.,
BREDA FITZGIBBON,
Representative of Thomas Gregory,
Master of Hospital of The Holy Trinity,
Dowsley Barn,
New Ross,
Co Wexford.