Why blame majority for sins of the few?

IT is unfair to blame the majority for the sins of the few in institutions run by religious orders.

It is obvious that many took advantage of their position and that many others looked the other way.

Both should be called to account, even if this now presents difficulties.

I received my secondary education at the North Monastery, Cork, probably then (late 1940s) classed as a “tough” school.

The teachers were mostly, but not entirely, Christian Brothers. I did not notice any difference between them or between the North Monastery and the previous (lay) primary school.

All teachers did the best they could with what they had. I have little doubt that they laboured mightily.

There were few jobs at the end of the road. The school did contact me with offers (which I did not accept) after I had left.

I owe much to the North Monastery. Naturally, I did not appreciate this at the time.

Donal O’Driscoll

Dargle Road

Blackrock

Co Dublin