Sir, Has Meath invented a new and unique form of victory in Gaelic football? I refer to the phenomenon seen in the recent press, which refers to Meath's victory by a "single" or a "mere" point.
I thought the game was about scoring more than the opposition and a point, regardless of its dimensions or its solitude, is precisely all that Meath required against Mayo. It's always amusing to witness the begrudgery of Dublin based media people, who would rather see the Sam Maguire go anywhere other than to Meath.
The same gentle souls who proclaim the end of civilisation because of the flare up in September 29th's final plainly don't go to football matches of any code. Like it or not, this is an integral part of many team sports, which occurs in Gaelic football in all counties, and not simply when we have our best suit on for the visitors. To be worried about the reaction of foreign viewers is contemptible hypocrisy. Our American friends witness regular fights in a variety of games, including supposed non contact sports like baseball.
Incidentally, those who really know the game realised that Mayo were never going to be compliant opposition and were just as likely to cause an affray as anyone else. It must be very uncomfortable for the Meath haters to see, based on the replay evidence, that although the Royal County may well have finished the fight it was undoubtedly "sporting" Mayo who started it!
Yours, etc.,
Temple Manor Court,
Walkinstown,
Dublin 12.