Sir, - In a unique weekend for Irish sport, we had Irish teams engaged at international level in three different football codes. Our rugby team played Australia in the World Cup, our soccer team played Macedonia in the European Championship, and our Gaelic team played Australia in an International Rules game. Any similarity between the three teams ended with the colour of the jerseys they wore.
While the Gaelic team gave an outstanding exhibition of athleticism, commitment and skill that kept 65,000 people entertained for 80 minutes in the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the lacklustre, characterless displays, yet again, of the rugby and soccer teams were cringe-inducing. Having watch the three matches it is hard to believe that the latter two teams are composed of highly paid professional players, while the Gaelic team is entirely amateur. Surely this whole scenario must give ample food for thought to the managements of the two professional games in the context of training, preparation and attitude. - Yours, etc.,
Jack Byrne, Kilconnaught, Hacketstown, Co Carlow.