Madam, - I greatly enjoyed Sheila Sullivan's fine portrait of Mrs Vi McDowell, of Grey's Guest House, Dugort, Achill (An Irishwoman's Diary, February 25th). She is indeed a warm and gracious lady, endowed with wisdom and a good sense of humour and deservedly loved by all who know her.
It is good to chronicle the life and times and pay tribute to people like Mrs McDowell who in their own spheres, great and small, have, as we say nowadays, made a difference.
Mrs McDowell is sometimes known as "Auntie Vi", but she has another title affectionately bestowed on here by a dear friend. It is "Duchess". If we had an honours list here, I know her friends and admirers would lobby strongly (with Vi protesting) to have it made official.
The Duchess of Dugort - long may she reign. - Yours, etc,
TRISH MAGUIRE, Merlyn Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.