A chara, - I had the pleasure of being in Lansdowne Road last Saturday for the exhilarating victory over the old enemy, England. The atmosphere before, during and particularly after the match was incredible. The whole of the Lansdowne area was in celebratory mood.
The Taoiseach wants to build Stadium Ireland in Abbotstown, Co Dublin. Initially I was in favour of this idea, but times have changed since the initial announcement. The Celtic Tiger has slowed down dramatically and the money to complete this project successfully seems to have dried up. We do not have the same buoyant economy as 12 months ago.
I think the Government and the IRFU should have another look at the possibility of redeveloping of Lansdowne Road. The IRFU has previously drawn up plans to turn the stadium 90 degrees. These should be taken down from the shelf and used to develop Lansdowne into the international stadium the Irish nation deserves.
The atmosphere on big match days at Abbotstown could never approach that experienced last Saturday in Ballsbridge. It is time the IRFU came out to protect the oldest rugby stadium in the world and its traditions from being ruined in the name of "progress". It is time for them to appreciate and protect what they have before it is too late! - Is Mise,
Liam Kidney, Athlone, Co Westmeath.