Madam, – I regret that my apology for the error in An Anthology of Modern Irish Poetrywas confusing (July 2nd 3rd). Please allow me to say as simply as possible that the word "perhaps" in the sentence introducing Pearse Hutchinson's poem for Paddy Joe Hill is a terrible, inexcusable mistake and one for which I am deeply sorry. Mr Hill is an innocent man and no one is more entitled to his good name in print than he is.
I would also like to apologise to the poets whose work is represented in the collection.
My one aim throughout the many years I spent working on this project was to celebrate what I believe is the richest and most vibrant body of contemporary poetry in the world. It is a source of grief and shame that this error now stands in the way of readers’ appreciation of these extraordinary poems. – Yours, etc,