Once again Mick Galwey found himself the centre of attention when he was omitted from the Ireland match squad for the Six Nations Championship game against Italy at Lansdowne Road next Saturday. It was the 15th time that he has been dropped in a 41-cap career, a statistic that tends to demean the superb contribution that he has made to the national jersey.

There was no surprise when he took his demotion with good grace. Instead of trying to wallow in self pity, Galwey went to lengths to point out the merits of his young successor, Paul O'Connell. It was typical of Galwey.

One person who wasn't about to take Galwey's omission with anything like the same resigned acceptance was a well known academic in Trinity. He penned the following missive to The Irish Times.

"I am shocked and angry at the omission of Mick Galwey yet again. Disgusted, Dublin. Gaillimh for Toaiseach (after Jack Lynch's example)."

Now you might say fair enough to all or part of the above, but it is not everyone that would send his stand ticket for the Ireland/Italy game to accompany the letter. The author simply asks that it is given to a young supporter and Planet Rugby is happy to comply with his wishes.