Madam, - I write to congratulate Declan Kiberd on a wonderful article celebrating Prof Edward Said's interest in Ireland (The Irish Times, October 2nd).
Prof Said was due to speak in Trinity College later this year to accept his nomination as honorary patron of the University Philosophical Society. It was testament to his affection for Ireland and for his discourse with Irish students that he determined to do so despite his long battle against illness.
It is with great sadness that we will forward his award to his family as an expression of our respect for his inspirational intellect. - Yours, etc.,
EDWARD BURKE, President, University Philosophical Society, Trinity College, Dublin 2.