Banks and the community

Sir, – According to “Bank of Ireland chief Francesca McDonagh leaves unfinished business for successor” (Business, August 5th), it is stated that during her time as CEO of Bank of Ireland, Francesca McDonagh in her Zoom meetings with staff pressed home the bank’s purpose, “to enable its customers, colleagues and communities to thrive”. It is also stated that one of her greatest attributes, according to one of her former colleagues, is her “willingness to listen to an alternative view”. This sounds very commendable and worthy of praise.

However, I will forever associate her name with the closure of no less than 88 branches of Bank of Ireland on the same day in autumn 2021 (34 per cent of its network of branches in Ireland).

As a customer and a member of the community in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, I fail to see how this decision, made during her tenure, can help me or my community to thrive. That’s my view but who is willing to listen? – Yours, etc,

MARY BARRY,