Letter to the Editor: Name Navan bridge after Dr Paddy Randles

I was greatly shocked and saddened by the universal reaction to the recent programme about corporal punishment in Irish schools.

Shocked by the revelations that so many brothers, priests and nuns were such bullies inflicting physical pain and mental anguish on so many unfortunate boys and girls, and saddened by the impact that cruelty had on those unfortunate children.

I went to a well known school in Ballina, Co Mayo,where I was assaulted by a priest because I questioned a decision he made regarding a competition in the annual school sports day. He quite simply got the decision totally wrong but didn't have the courage or humility to accept that.

The word 'humility' is important because that's what so many priests, brothers and nuns simply did not have, despite the fact that this formed the basis of their training for the arduous task and many challenges of religous life.

However the wonderful outpouring of love and affection for the equally wonderful Dr Randles and his fabulous wife (Mary) who fought the brave battle against those bullies was heart warming and fully justified. It is in this spirit that I urge the powers that be in Navan to rename a famous local landmark after the late Dr Randles.

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I propose that Poolboy Bridge be renamed after Navan's most famous doctor and become the DR RANDLES MEMORIAL BRIDGE.

This would be a fitting tribute to such a wonderful man whose legacy is there for everybody to see. The renamed bridge would also serve as a remembrace of all those unfortunate boys and girls who were subjected to such cruel treatment and a memorial of their bravery and never say die spirit.

Éamonn Eddie Maguire.