I WRITE regarding the article by Barry Gibson on February 12, concerning the Huddersfield St Patrick’s Day Parade (“‘Hudds parade band backs IRA terrorism’”)

The James Larkin Band are named after a trade union official who in pre-World War One, Liverpool, did much to improve the working, social and economic position of the working class community, both Catholic and Protestant. I believe these are the aspirations that the band uphold to this day.

On the Parade Day I carry, in memory of my grandfather, an Irishman, a medal from World War One which he received as a private in the British Army Leinster Regiment.

I believe Mr Gibson’s article to be an insult to the Irish community in Huddersfield, who have been part of the fabric of this town for going on 200 years and have contributed in many ways to make Huddersfield what a great town it is today.

Joe Cornelly

Marsh