Sir, – In the week that heralds the start of the World Cup in Russia, what a magnificent photograph by Ray McManus of two great hurling men to adorn the front page of your paper (June 11th).
The expression, gesture and body language of Clare’s Patrick O’Connor and Tipperary’s Séamus Callanan in this after-match picture portrays in graphic detail the quintessence of our ancient game of hurling, especially in this the most demanding year in the history of the game on those who play it at the top level. The image reflects the toil and exhaustion of the contest just concluded and the magnitude and intensity of the personal respect of one combatant for the other while giving no indication whatever of winner or loser.
I would not expect the upcoming festival of the “beautiful game”, even if Ireland were participating, to stir the spirit in any way compared to this year’s hurling championship. Nevertheless, and especially with the travails of my Waterford neighbours in mind, I look forward to assessing the efficacy of “goal-line technology” in the tournament. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL GANNON,
Kilkenny.