Madam, - For the first time ever I feel compelled to write to a newspaper to congratulate The Irish Times on its excellent coverage of the GAA football and hurling championships, which is now vastly superior to any of the other daily papers.
In particular, as a Leitrim supporter, I want to mention Keith Duggan's preview and match report on the recent qualifier against Meath. The game was largely ignored by the rest of the media, particularly RTÉ, but his report captured the atmosphere of a game which, though not a classic, was exciting throughout and could have resulted in one of the biggest shocks for many years.
Keith Duggan's column on Saturday column is now essential reading and his recent article on Kerry's extraordinary championship record was a joy to any sports enthusiast.
Tom Humphries is equally unmissable and his recent article on the girls' Under-14 Féile had a deep resonance for all the many unseen volunteers who freely give of their time to promote Gaelic games for young people. His point that these mentors and officials are the in effect the Government's national sports policy in much of rural and provincial Ireland was well made. - Yours, etc,
DECLAN COX, Rathconnel, Mullingar, Co Westmeath