Madam, - May I express joy and satisfaction at the momentous decision taken by the GAA in opening up its grounds to other sporting organisations?
To those enlightened journalists and players who led the way, I say well done in your efforts to lead and educate people in your association through your columns and statements.
As a Protestant living in Northern Ireland I see this as an attempt to get rid of outdated ideas and notions. I admire the games, particularly hurling; but the GAA has to go some way further before I would contemplate allowing my sons to play or become members of the association.
There are still barriers for people like myself which need toa be dealt with: the promotion of the Irish language, the sectarian position given to the Catholic church in throwing in the ball and in patronage of the GAA, and - one of the most hurtful - the naming of grounds after Irish patriots, priests and more recently, terrorists. The GAA is primarily a sporting organisation and needs to abandon the above to attract more people like myself to its games.
If this can be done, I would have no problem sending my son to Gaelic football as he plays Leprechaun rugby in his integrated school at present. - Yours, etc.,
BRYAN WALKER, Lisburn, Co Antrim.