Madam, - While the on-field performance of the Irish rugby team as they roundly trounced my own, mesmerised, England was exhilarating, it was the off-field behaviour which provided moments that will live long in my list of top sporting memories.
It is not often that a crowd of 80.000 odd people are united in one behaviour but, representing the whole of the nation, the respect they afforded, both to the entry of the England side and the playing of the English national anthem, was a credit to each and every Irish man and woman.
It could be argued that, given the treatment the Irish have suffered at the hands of the English throughout history, the warmth of the welcome was thoroughly undeserved. However, that warmth is all that I've ever come to expect from every Irish person I have ever met and it appeared as a national collective at Croke Park last Saturday.
Contrast the respect shown to the opposition with the fervour and enthusiasm that wonderfully roared on the Irish side and, in a nutshell, you have a truly excellent example of what a real sporting crowd should be. Look and learn, every other sporting nation.
In the forthcoming World Cup I will be supporting England (travelling in hope rather than expectation), but a large part of me will be hoping for Irish success. - Yours, etc,
JON HOWARD-WHITE,
Bedford,
England.
*****
Madam, - I write as first and foremost a GAA man who has lived the Croke Park experience since the 1950s, when so many of us sat on timber sideline benches, to today's majestic stadium with the best lighting to be seen anywhere in the world. Last Saturday's rugby international will rank among the most memorable Croke Park experiences over that 50-year period, so thanks to the key people who made this wonderful occasion possible.
There is former GAA president Sean Kelly for having the courage and tenacity to fight for what was best for both Ireland and the GAA; Nicky Brennan for his diplomacy and tact over the past month; President McAleese for bringing enormous dignity and warmth to a formal occasion; the Irish team members for their skill and commitment; and the fans for their fervour, good manners and rousing rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann.
And last, but not least, thanks to Mary Harney and the Progressive Democrats for saying "No" to the great folly of the now, hopefully, dead-in-the-water "Bertie Bowl". Croke Park has shown itself to be the true national stadium and I am confident the GAA will always be hospitable and generous enough to share it when asked properly. - Yours, etc,
DES GILROY,
Howth,
Co Dublin.
*****
Madam, - Well done to The Irish Times for the photograph showing a protester outside Croke Park carrying the banner "No Foreign Games" while wearing a Scottish soccer jersey. A picture does indeed paint a thousand words and it summed up the outdated hypocrisy of a minority at GAA games who stand on Hill 16, complain about soccer and rugby at Croke Park and then move off to the pub to watch their favourite British soccer teams.
Thankfully, most GAA fans have moved with the times and understand that Irish patriotism has many faces. Not to be a fan of Gaelic games does not make one any less patriotic. I channel my patriotism through Irish soccer. - Is mise,
GARY BRANIGAN,
Corkagh View,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
*****
A Chara, - The photograph on Monday's front page was poor quality and a poor show. Of all of the wonderful images from Saturday's great game of rugby in Croke Park, you selected a grainy, poorly focused shot of the Taoiseach greeting the President, beside Paddy "the Plasterer", the Taoiseach's friend.
While Bertie Ahern's past should not be forgotten, perhaps, in reminding us of his "dig-out", you were trying just a little too hard to get in a "dig"? - Is mise,
KATE O'DWYER,
Knocknacally,
Youghal,
Co Cork.
*****
Madam, - I was there at Croke Park last Saturday and sang all three anthems - admittedly without words during the second one! As an Englishman who has had the privilege of nearly 14 years living in this wonderful country, I salute the maturity of the crowd and the country. Whatever happened on the pitch, Ireland had won a famous victory before the starting whistle went.
In the end, Ireland were magnificent on the pitch and thoroughly deserved their record victory. I can only wish them the very best in the World Cup. I would be delighted if Ireland's name was the next engraved on the trophy. - Yours, etc,
JOHN SAMUEL,
Ashlawn,
Ballinteer Road,
Dublin 16.
*****
A chara, - Eugene Callan (February 22nd) is incorrect in his assertion that the British National Anthem was played at Croke Park during the Special Olympics. However, he is not the only one to have believed this urban myth, as many in the media appear to have accepted the story as fact.
All praise then to Matt Cooper and his Last Word radio programme team which went to the bother of contacting the Special Olympics organisers and were informed that God Save the Queen was never played at Croke Park during the Special Olympics. Is mise,
E.F. FANNING,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.
*****
Madam, - With no wish to sound inflammatory, and in a purely sporting sense, tháinig ár lá.
If only all conflicts could be so sportingly resolved. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN FOLEY,
Thornleigh Avenue,
Swords,
Co Dublin.