Sir, - Reading P.H. Cronin's letter (September 30th) I am led to wonder if he actually read my letter of September 8th. He confesses to being almost totally ignorant of the political conditions prevailing in Ireland in the period 1919 to 1921 - and it shows. If he did read my letter it is remarkable that he neither denied nor attempted to justify the actions which brought Sergeant Cronin to the attention of Michael Collins. I can only conclude that he considered his grandfather was justified in his undercover operations on behalf of a foreign power against his own people.
Of course, the killing of Henry Cronin had a terrible effect on his family, especially his wife and young son who were there at the time; but I should ask Mr Cronin has he considered that many wives and children on the other side were similarly traumatised by the loss of loved ones as the result of the activities of Sgt Cronin and many like him.
As for his describing the killing as a "cowardly assassination", he should surely be aware that a heavily-outnumbered guerilla force has limited options in dealing with its enemies - hence the horrific and poignant circumstances of his grandfather's death.
The simple fact is that Henry Cronin freely chose to tread a dangerous path - and paid a fearful price. Sadly, so also did his family. - Yours, etc.,
John Clarke, Glendaniel, Tullamore, Co Offaly.