Madam, - Peter Makem's opinions (August 31st) are obviously heartfelt, but are open to criticism.
Probably the greatest criticism is that the the only obvious objective of the letter is to antagonise Kerrymen, which in my opinion is contrary to the very spirit that makes the GAA great.
Mr Makem's core premise is that Kerry dominated football for decades due to a provincial system that forced Ulster teams to play too many hard games before facing a fresh Kerry team. The success of Cavan in the 1950s, Down in the 1960s and Down, Derry and Donegal in the 1990s would suggest that that the provincial system (including Ulster's) was well capable of providing excellent teams fit to challenge Kerry. Likewise, although Cork may have been weak recently, the county has won six All-Ireland football titles and has traditionally been a very strong foe for Kerry.
If Kerry have an easy path to finals, then by the same logic Galway should have an abundance of football and hurling All-Irelands. It is my opinion that Kerry has in fact suffered from having an easier path to semi-finals. This has recently lead to the county suffering at the hands of battle-hardened Northern teams.
The recent success of Ulster teams is to be welcomed, as it raises the profile as well as the skill of the sport. But to blame Ulster's past lack of success on the the old provincial system is ludicrous. In three successive Munster-Ulster clashes in the late 1970s, Derry, Monaghan and Armagh were beaten by 16, 22 and 10 points respectively. Surely such beatings were not down to tiredness? The reason why Ulster has been successful over the past 15 years is due to a strong under-age coaching system, more professional management at senior level and a willingness to add skill to existing aggression.
The main reason why Kerry has been successful for so long is a fanatical love of football together with an ability to adapt to emerging changes to the game. In 1968 the victorious Down captain said Kerry football was dead; Kerry won in 1969 and 1970. Likewise Kerry reacted to the increased professionalism shown by Dublin in 1974 to dominate, using similar methods, for 16 years.
More recently Kerry has responded to the methods of Meath, Armagh and Tyrone by adopting a similar style. - Yours, etc,
SEÁN DOWLING, Blackrock, Cork.