Sir, - The Knight of Glin rightly acknowledges the contributions of Mrs Sally Aall, Mr William Roth and the Irish Georgian Society to the restoration of the Swiss Cottage but, in case it might be thought that these were the only contributors to this project, mention should be made of the many others, in the public and private sectors, who participated in this exciting venture.
While many people had, over a number of years, shown concern about the deteriorating of the Swiss Cottage, the first practical step was an offer of $10,000 by Mr Roth to the National Monuments Branch (then in the OPW, now in the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht) on only one condition, i.e. that the State should acquire the property. The NMB, which was to provide the central co ordinating role throughout the project as well as personnel and financial support, enlisted the enthusiastic co operation of Tipperary (SR) County Council, Cahir Communities Council, the South East Regional Tourism Organisation, the Irish Georgian Society and ANCO/ FAS, which supplied the restoration staff. Coillte also lent a helping hand.
As you have reported, Mr Austin Dunphy was the restoration architect and he played no small part in stimulating the interest of Mrs Aall, whose financial contribution, through the Port Royal Foundation, was considerable. Ms Sybil Connolly gave valuable assistance in the decoration and furnishing as did the National Museum of Ireland. - Yours, etc.,
45 Wainsfort Road,
Dublin 6W.