Sir, - In reply to D. Manifold's letter to your paper on January 5th, titled "Orphans and Scapegoats": speaking for myself, I would agree with what he had to say. I lived in the local orphanage he refers to St. Joseph's CBS Industrial School, Salthill, Galway for 10 years. I got a good education up to the technical school's "Group Cert" and yes, it was very disciplined though this decreased with the years, reflecting the general trend in society. And yes . . . they did count the sausages!
I am not aware personally of any sexual abuse, nor have I heard of any at first hand. I have an abiding memory of a very elderly Christian Brother who used to sit with me and read from the adventures of Rupert the Bear from a book I carried around with me. That same Brother, at shop time on Sundays, often bought sweets for all of the boys who had no credit with the shop, through his own limited finances.
Apart from my first Christmas in St. Joseph's, I spent all of my subsequent school holidays with a family, which was heaven. I will reserve comment on my own biological relations, the State's or society's role in my upbringing and entry to the "outside world", apart from the fact that the State provided the finances.
Finally, I knew the writer Pat Tierney, who died on January 5th, when he lived in St. Joseph's with me and I would like to thank your for your paper's obituary on him. May he rest in peace. - Yours, etc.,
Tirellan Heights,
Galway.