Sir, Kevin Myers's gratuitous deduction query of the possible attitude of the late Cardinal O Fiaich, had a murdered politician been Catholic and the killers Protestant, diminishes himself and his case.
I was a pupil of the late Cardinal in St Peter's College, Wexford, and because of a fascination with medieval Irish history we remained friends and correspondents until his lamented death. I can testify to the pain he endured throughout the terrible years in which he was Cardinal Primate, a pain he suffered at the infliction of torment and grief on both loyalist and nationalist.
I can personally affirm, and produce written proof if necessary, that when moneys were sent to him to alleviate suffering he assisted loyalist no less than nationalist. I particularly refer to the comfort and financial assistance rendered by him to the wife and family of a murdered RUC officer, on receipt of a not inconsiderable donation to him from a Christian family in County Wexford. I will not, of course, reveal identities. - Yours, etc.,
Drinagh Lodge,
Wexford.