Madam, - Tom Hogan (March 16th) is correct in stating that the GAA is in competition with other sports. However, this is a reality and is not unhealthy. The vast majority of club members in all sports give of their time freely and without any prospect of reward other than the satisfaction of seeing youngsters participate and compete at all levels.
Mr Hogan unfortunately sees soccer as the bête noir, but the reality is that over the past 10 years, despite the saturation TV coverage of soccer, the GAA has continued to go from strength to strength, in terms of both participation and overall popularity. Mr Hogan should log on to www.hill16.ie to get some sense of the number of games being played in Dublin by all age-groups. This is because of the appeal of the games, the organisational structures and the special place that the GAA occupies.
If soccer was the real "threat", difficulties would be felt most keenly in Dublin, where amateur soccer is well organised and thriving.
The suggestion that the opening of Croke Park for a limited period of time to help out a number of other Irish sporting associations would somehow boost the numbers participating in these other sports to the detriment of the GAA is ludicrous. Regardless of where these games will be played, they will be beamed into every home, pub and club (including GAA clubs) in Ireland.
The GAA can benefit financially from hosting these games, with proceeds being used directly to benefit Gaelic games throughout the country. This includes the absolute necessity to invest in upgrading other GAA venues so that spectators can enjoy the games in comfort. This is the reality of competition, where the GAA must compete not just with other sports, but with other attractions.
The contention that "most GAA members are against opening Croke Park" could easily be tested through a plebiscite of all members. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN MEAGHER,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.