To the Editor of the Limerick Echo –

Dear Sir,

I have noted the recent meeting of the above committee and the charges made by Mr Goodbody against certain members, including myself. I feel it necessary to address these issues and provide a different perspective.

Mr Goodbody’s indictment against us is twofold. Firstly, he claims that some of us voted against certain proposals without offering any reasonable arguments to support our actions. Secondly, he advocates for the appointment of a Visiting Committee and the drafting of new rules for the internal management of the institution.

While I agree that such actions may be harmless and useful in certain circumstances, I believe they are unnecessary and unfair in the current situation. Our County Infirmary is functioning efficiently, providing significant public benefit, and is widely popular. In such a successful setting, there is no need for new rules or a Visiting Committee. Why take unnecessary action when things are working well? Furthermore, such measures may lead to conflicts and misunderstandings among committee members and the matron, Miss Mayne.

As representatives of the ratepayers, our primary concern is the proper care of the sick. It is unwise for us to take sides in personal matters and potentially cast a shadow over the matron’s hard work. We should allow the new committee to assess the situation when appointed and consider any improvements if needed.

Regarding Mr Goodbody’s proposal to exclude the two paid officials from committee meetings, I believe this would hinder the efficiency of the committee. The presence of the matron and resident surgeon is essential to answer questions and facilitate discussions.

Mr Goodbody criticizes my absence from a certain meeting, attributing it to the matron’s influence. However, he forgets his own past actions when he made suspicious insinuations about the spiritual head of the diocese, without any apology or clarification.

I also find his statement about the potential appointment of a Catholic matron troubling. While he claims to support a Catholic candidate due to the majority of Catholic patients, I hope he remains consistent in his beliefs in all future elections.

In conclusion, I believe it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of our County Infirmary and avoid unnecessary disruptions. Let us focus on maintaining the excellent service it provides and allow the new committee to assess any changes if necessary.

Sincerely,

Thomas Hurley, Newcastle West

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 20 December 1904