Sir, – In 1976, I invited Thomas Kinsella to speak at the UCD English Literary Society. I was the auditor. I had never met a poet before, and wasn’t too sure what to expect. When I met Kinsella, one of the first things he said to me was did I think being a poet was a respectable job. When I said yes, he said he wasn’t too sure. He gave a brilliant lecture during which he recited many of his poems. Then, after a cup of tea and a fig-roll, he thanked me for inviting him, shook my hand and, having refused a taxi, disappeared into the night. I remember never having been so impressed in all my life. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS FITZPATRICK,
Terenure,
Dublin 6.