Sir, - It seems from Tom Humphries's article (The Irish Times, December 5th) that the man is not only a romantic idealist of the sporting variety, but also that he has completely missed the point regarding the allocation of £20 million to the GAA. His article seems to imply that people opposed this huge governmental "gift" on the grounds that the GAA was not a worthy recipient.
It undeniable that throughout this century the GAA has provided a valuable and lasting contribution to Irish society. Nobody can dispute this, and surely we didn't need Tom Humphries tell us. The point of the complaint about this £20 million was that relative to what other equally worthy organisations received, it was excessive to say the least.
Before the national cake is cut up and doled out, prioritising must take place. Surely Mr Humphries is not arguing that schools for the deaf, the handicapped and general care facilities are not worthy of as much, if not more, money than the largest sporting body in Ireland.
Mr Humphries's perception of the GAA as some kind of omniscient savour of Ireland's youth is surely a little over-dramatic. His article smacked of Irish romanticism, and I half-expected to read of comedy maidens dancing at the crossroads, so utopian a picture did he paint. Indeed, the image of wholesome men braving the elements to plant "little trees to break the wind" would have graced any work by de Valera or Pearse. - Yours, etc.,
Clareview, Limerick.