Sir, - The Dublin Society was founded in 1731 - 267 years ago. From 1815 its headquarters was in Leinster House and it became the Royal Dublin Society in 1830. Among the institutions it either created or helped establish are the following: The Botanic Gardens, Veterinary College, Natural History Museum, the Royal College of Science (now in UCD), the National Library, the National Gallery, the School of Art (later NCAD), and a major part of the fine art collection of the National Museum.
These were all handed over for the benefit of the people of Ireland. Included in the RDS's main activities were, and still are, the encouragement of science, agriculture, arts, crafts, and music, with the celebrated concerts starting in 1886.
The Spring Show started in 1831, jumping at the Horse Show in 1868 and the Aga Khan Trophy in 1926. The latter is now world famous, with teams competing, and tourists attending, from many countries.
The fact that, this year, Uachtaran na hEireann did not honour the visiting teams - or the RDS - by her presence, is sad.-Yours, etc., Daithi P. Hanly,
Vico Road,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.