Sir, - Dublin Castle, with its history of imprisonment and death, saw the execution of another victim at the presidential inauguration in St Patrick's Hall. I refer to the prolonged and agonised extinction of that fine old hymn, Be Thou My Vision. What crime it committed to deserve such a fate, I do not know.
This was death by cacophony. While the Army Number One Band played the lilting melody with innocent abandon in the minstrels' gallery above, the great and the good below set about their fell purpose with tunelessness, bad timing and apathy. Only our new President appeared to sing along with any enthusiasm or grace.
May I suggest that in future the powers that be install a professional choir to lead the congregation? A conductor to co-ordinate the ensemble would also be helpful. - Yours, etc.,
From Paul Leamy
Upper Rathmines Road, Dublin 6.