Madam, - Although I would not describe myself as a staunch supporter of Eddie O'Sullivan, I feel compelled to write in his defence after reading Dr M.A. Honan's letter of November 16th. Dr Honan contrasts Ireland's "annihilation" by New Zealand last Saturday with the competitive fixture against the same opposition four years ago. On this basis, he then questions how secure Eddie O'Sullivan's future should be. This is a simplistic and narrow-minded view.
Perhaps Dr Mohan would be better to dwell on the fact that since that very competitive fixture four years ago, and under Eddie O'Sullivan's stewardship, Ireland have beaten both Australia and South Africa as well as winning the Triple Crown. Neither Warren Gatland nor any other coach in recent memory can compare with this record.
If Ireland now beat Australia, does this mean that suddenly the team is better than the one that lost by one point to the eventual finalists in the 2003 World Cup? Or perhaps the comparison can stretch to that other famous Irish losing side in the quarter-finals in 1987? Such once-off comparisons are unfair and take no account of the multitude of variables on any given day or days. - Yours, etc,
GARETH MURPHY, Sandymount, Dublin 4.
Madam, - I am one of the New Zealanders who travelled to Ireland for three weeks, with the highlight being the All Blacks' match at Lansdowne Road, only to find my ticket invalid because of the fire below the terrace. Unknown to me I was about to experience a moment I will never forget.
Facing the prospect of watching the game in a pub instead of at the stadium, I asked a garda for advice. A passing rugby enthusiast overheard my conversation and gave me a ticket - in the grandstand no less. The gentleman absolutely refused to accept a payment.
This was just one of many experiences during my visit where the Irish people demonstrated charity, hospitality and generosity.
My travels around Ireland have totally humbled me and as a result I have altered my own attitudes to other people and become increasingly proud to represent my own country.
Now that New Zealand has been chosen to host the 2011 World Cup, I hope we can show something like the hospitality and generosity that I received in your wonderful country.- Yours, etc,
CARL LUNT, Howick, Auckland, New Zealand.