Madam, - John Cooney (The Irish Times, April 7th) states that the Dublin Diocesan finances where in chaos on the retirement of Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. Perhaps; but there was no chaos in the great numbers of primary and second-level schools, nor in the range of first-class medical services in Catholic-run hospitals and health care centres, nor in the centres of help for poor people, nor in the emigrant care centres abroad - all initiated by the zeal and commitment of a great Archbishop.
Mr Cooney also states: "Within the Dublin Diocese priests who served under Archbishop McQuaid have been brought before the courts and found guilty of charges of sex acts against children in Church care."
Of approximately 2,000 priests who served during Dr McQuaid's episcopacy (1940-1972), just two were found guilty - sadly two too many. However, pointing an accusing finger at Dr McQuaid in this matter defies all the rules of logic. It is akin to indicting Our Lord for the sin of Judas - one of the Master's own priests. - Yours, etc.,
Fr CON McGILLYCUDDY,
Dollymount Grove,
Dollymount,
Dublin 3.