Sir, - It is sad to see how the media in recent times seem intent on highlighting the defects in the work of religious orders in Ireland in years past. We all acknowledge that there were inevitably as in any human institution faults and failures. However, why not acknowledge the wonderful work done by nuns, brothers and priests, in schools, hospitals and institutions over many years - when the State did so little?
myself, together with thousands of others, received practically free education in the Kerry Diocesan College of St Brendan's in Killarney years before the so called free education was introduced by the State. So also did many people receive free tuition from the Christian Brothers and the different religious orders of nuns in every town and city in Ireland.
The religious orders cared for the blind, the deaf and dumb, the physically and mentally handicapped. They still do. How about some programmes now on RTE, giving objective and due recognition to this side of the story.
Yours, etc.,
Foxfield St John,
Dublin 5.