Sir, - I note with interest the composition of the group of cavers rescued recently in Co Clare. It was made up of students from Queen's, Huddersfield and Maynooth colleges, Northerners and Southerners. Their rescuers included cavers from Kevin Street College Caving Club, the University of Limerick, Dublin and the North. These rescuers acted under the umbrella of the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation and the Speliological Union of Ireland. Both bodies represent cavers throughout the island.
At a time when others are rejoicing in the possibility of North and South working together in close harmony, these students and the clubs that they belong to already are. Indeed the umbrella organisations have been cross-Border organisations for many years.
While other sports have been fighting about whether to lift a ban or whether a cross-Border league would work, these and other adventure sports people have got on with enjoying themselves and working together.
I feel that the next time that the Minister is dividing out money for sport he should recognise the important role of adventure sports in promoting cross-Border links. By their very lack of competition they do not foster division but co-operation. This is in marked contrast with other powerful organisations which continue to enforce bans and divisions. - Yours, etc.,
John Kavanagh,
Kingsfurze Avenue, Naas, Co Kildare.