Madam, - A year ago I contacted the comedian Tommy Tiernan to ask if he would consider appearing at a charity fashion show involving the staff of Galway's two main hospitals. He was most approachable and promptly agreed to perform, without a mention of the appearance fee so frequently sought by far more minor celebrities nowadays.
During the sold-out show last February, Tommy treated us to his usual hilarious banter on three separate occasions, helping us to raise over €30,000 for Cancer Care West. Hardly the work of a so-called "blasphemous" man.
Tommy's recent appearance on the Late Late Show ironically addressed a number of issues pertaining to the religious malaise and spiritual bankruptcy that is a feature of modern Ireland. His selfless work for charity should be acknowledged as Christian in the true sense of the word. It's time for the smug pharisees of Ireland to lighten up. - Yours, etc.,
Dr NIAMH O'BRIEN, University College Hospital, Galway.