Madam, - The recent booing of the Taoiseach at sporting events, however brief and localised, is most disappointing.
At Clones last Saturday, the booing may not have been audible on the stand side but certainly on the terrace side, where I, together with my family and friends, was standing, it was easily noticeable, particularly from an area close to the TV broadcasting box.
While acknowledging his position as political leader, and the festive mood of the Dublin supporters, it is difficult to understand why one of the Dubs' best supporters should be the recipient of less than acceptance from some on that side of the ground.
Bertie as a very young boy, having attended a couple of championship games even prior to watching Dublin beating Offaly in July 1962 in the Leinster football championship, thereafter commenced his unbroken sequence of not missing a single championship game involving Dublin, together with attending countless league and other games in support of the Dubs.
His love of sport extends much further: as a boy he picked and snipped gooseberries to accumulate the cost of a season ticket to support his beloved Drumcondra FC in the League of Ireland.
One could go on and on, but suffice to say that this great fan and friend of sport who has to adjust his meagre leisure time to attend any event deserves acclamation, not disdain, in recognition of his support. - Yours, etc.,
MAURICE AHERN,
Members' Room,
City Hall,
Dublin 2.