Madam, - With regard to the front-page photograph in your edition of May 19th titled "Clare shock Tipp: but captain sent off and may face long ban", I believe it necessary to make a number of points:
The decision on the disciplinary action to be taken in this case is for the relevant GAA authorities to make on the basis of the match referee's report. It is not a decision for The Irish Times and speculation in a caption about a "three-month ban" is at best inappropriate and at worst potentially prejudicial to the outcome of the case;
It is most unfortunate that any single player, who like many others has given enormous time and effort to reach the extremely high standards required of inter-county players today, should be singled out in such a way in advance of any formal decision.
That the player in question happens to be one of the best ambassadors for the game over the past 10 years, during which he has an impeccable disciplinary record, makes your coverage of the matter all the more regrettable. - Yours, etc.,
CYRIL BRENNAN,
Avenue Emile de Beco,
Brussels,
Belgium.