Sir, - Had Rosalind Matthews (July 30th) availed of the opportunity of her recent visit to Glencree to acquire the readily available programme for the 8th Glencree Summer School commencing on August 24th, she would have learned something of the magnificent work for peace carried out there over the years.
Had she also picked up the summer/autumn exhibitions leaflet she would have learned of other exhibitions besides the "Bloody Sunday" exhibition which caused her the embarrassment of which she complains. Among those exhibitions were "The Cost of the Troubles" (April 27th), "When Silence Fell" (May 26th), "The Ulster Scots Heritage"(August 4th) and the "Apprentice Boys" (September 8th).
All these exhibitions serve a very useful purpose in that they are vital elements in helping to base discussions and dialogue in the reality of the times in which we live.
In some instances they may succeed in "embarrassing" viewers into a realisation that, small though the contribution may be, all of us have a duty to make it on our journey towards the achievement of a peaceful society. Indeed, facing up to the underlying causes of that "embarrassment" may be the necessary first step of awakening to the need to widen personal horizons or recognise the need for "peace" within ourselves.
Those of us who, over the years, have shared our time and experiences at Glencree have been gratified to see that the Board of Works has undertaken the updating and modernisation of this historic site, first built around the year 1798, and converted it into the Centre of Excellence in which all of us can share a pride.
Like Corrymeela in North Antrim, there is now a facility in the Wicklow Mountains which can be accessed right across the community by people who want to make their contribution towards helping to heal the hurts of over 30 years of pointless intercommunal violence. The steady stream of willing voluntary workers under such a competent board of management will ensure that its doors will remain ever open to all who accept the challenges of peace and peace-making. - Yours, etc.,
Paddy Joe McClean, Beragh, Co Tyrone.