Rare orchid at Trinity

Sir, – I suspect that the rare Irish orchid discovered in Trinity College (“Rare Irish orchid discovered in Trinity College after lawn mowing is halted”, News, July 3rd) might have been from a Catholic plant family unaware that it was no longer a mortal sin to attend the college.

Archbishop John Charles McQuaid lifted the ban in the late 1960s, so there was no need for the orchid to hide for so long. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK O’BYRNE,

Phibsborough,