Sir, – I refer to the article (Weekend Review, July 27th), in which Patrick Mason at the Gate Theatre is quoted: “We’re [his partner Shaun Davey, the composer] just back from the Languedoc”.

This has alarmed my wife and partner of 26 years, Rita Connolly, the singer. She now wonders who was the man who, in recent weeks, repeatedly entered her kitchen with raspberries and potatoes from the garden, and who painted the house she shares – with Shaun Davey, the composer – from top to bottom inexplicably free of charge? How confusing will this be to Patrick Mason and particularly to his partner Seán – who must now resent The Irish Times for appearing to deprive him of his holiday? And how can I myself now justify taking a break to recuperate from harvesting and weatherproofing if I am only “just back from the Languedoc”? – Yours, etc,

SHAUN DAVEY, the

composer (not Patrick

Mason’s partner,

nor just back from

the Languedoc),

Kilmacanogue,

Co Wicklow.