SIR – How sad to read that the iconic establishment Bradford Irish Club is struggling to survive (T&A, December 5).

My parents left their home in Mountmellick, Co Laois, in the early 1950s to make a contribution to this City – though Mum and Dad were never drinkers as such, from their loyalty to St Patrick’s Church they knew many who supported the Irish Club. In the old days I believe it may have also been called The Land League?

It served perfectly as the focal point for the many many emigrants from across the water as contact with home.

Perhaps in later years Bradford has not been as strong a magnet as, say, Manchester or London, and the Irish Club has had to compete more essentially as a pub rather than the custodian of a wonderful and inspiring culture?

Ironic. too, the success of Irish-themed pubs may have been too synthetic and only the novelty was sold rather than the depth and history of the country responsible for me.

I hope and pray the Irish Club will survive and continue to play its part in celebrating the cosmopolitan mix that is Bradford.

John Murphy, Cooper Lane, Bradford