Sir, - Marcus & Buachalla (April 23rd) describes a mind-set which is not confined to the Tipperary GAA Board.
On the day his letter appeared I waited in the X-ray Department of St James's Hospital, Dublin. A functionary of the hospital, in sight and earshot of patients, embarked on a spree of derision of my name, passing my folder from staff member to staff member, inviting hilarity. (Most of her colleagues, to be fair, did not join in the mirth.) When I made a mild protest, the lady piled on the sarcasm and sneers.
I enquired if Messrs Gorbachev, de Klerk and Rotblat or Madame Menchu might have a similar welcome in St James's Hospital. At no stage did I receive the slightest hint of an apology.
Our best hope in rugby, Dion O Cuinneagain, remarked in a recent interview with Foinse that it is only in Ireland that he encounters any difficulty with his name. - Yours, etc.,
Micheal Mac Aonghusa, Sraid Reuben, Baile Atha Cliath 8.
