Sir, - In his feature "The Summer School That Never Was" (The Irish Times, August 28th), Robert O'Byrne states that Canon Sheehan is little remembered in the village where he served as parish priest and where he wrote most of his literary works.
However, he then goes on to remark on the magnificent monument to the parish priest in the churchyard, which was restored recently. The canon's burial place is marked with a beautiful cross. Mr O'Byrne goes on to say that the former parochial house carries a plaque indicating the residence of the former writer.
A recent housing development has been named after the canon - Canon Sheehan Place. The local secondary school, Nagle Rice, honours him annually by presenting the Canon Sheehan Literary Award to a student.
All this surely gives the lie to Mr O'Byrne's contention that Canon Sheehan is little remembered in the village. Nevertheless, I would agree with him that a summer school or some such event to remember and explore the writings of the canon would be a good idea.
The North Cork Writers' Committee did such work in the 1970 and 1980s and the weekends it organised were well attended. This was due in no small way to the calibre of the lecturers and presenters. The last Cearbhaill ╙ Dalaigh, President of Ireland, attended, as did many professors, lecturers, authors and poets.
As time went on the committee found it increasingly difficult to organise an appropriate event, but now, with the passage of time and the promptings of Mr O'Byrne, perhaps the time is right to make a fresh start. - Yours, etc.,
Willie Hallihan, Kilbrack, Doneraile, Co Cork.