Noise pollution in pubs

Madam, - The publicans are complaining again

Madam, - The publicans are complaining again. Let me inform them: it is not the diligent activity of gardaí that keeps me from the pub. Nor is it the current exorbitant price of drink, nor even the smoking ban. No; for me, and many more like me, my absence is because of the screeching TV in every corner and the non-stop thump, thump of so-called music.

Who in God's name sold pubs this noise concept? Whatever happened to the great Irish custom of a quiet pint and good conversation? O tempora, O mores.- Yours, etc,

NOEL Mac CANNA, Blessington, Co Wicklow.