Madam, – I regret that The Irish Timesdid not feel it necessary to contact me to ascertain the facts in relation to a letter claiming that the grave of my late father and former President, Erskine Childers is in "a state of neglect" (September 8th).
My father’s grave at Derralossary, Co Wicklow was recently opened to receive the remains of my deceased and deeply missed mother Rita.
My mother’s passing and her wish to be buried alongside her late husband necessitated the opening of the family grave.
Work has been carried out on the grave since my mother’s recent death and her place of rest requires time to settle to enable it to be fully and fittingly restored. Most people would understand and accept this state of affairs.
To the nation, the grave hosts the remains of the late president. To me, it is the final resting place of my parents.
The grave has always been maintained with great care by my family and by the dedicated parish group. This continues to be the case and will continue to be so into the future. – Yours, etc,