Rugby flags and anthems

A chara, - Perhaps the time is now right for the IRFU to give the dreadful ditty which replaced our country's National Anthem…

A chara, - Perhaps the time is now right for the IRFU to give the dreadful ditty which replaced our country's National Anthem a new title: "Ireland's Fall". - Yours, etc,

EF FANNING, Churchtown, Dublin 14.

Madam, - I refer to the current debate on the flag which the IRFU is using as the Irish flag for the Rugby World Cup.

The protocol section of the Department of Foreign Affairs supplies very clear details on the national flag and anthem. Perhaps it is time for the IRFU to consult the Minister for Foreign Affairs before they again brand this country with such a flag. - Yours, etc,

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A GERAGHTY, Passage West, Co Cork.

Madam, - I think it was Charles Haughey who said that, if unionists joined us in a united Ireland, they would be surprised at our generosity towards them.

However, the demand from most nationalists that our flag and anthem be imposed on unionists when they join us in "all-Ireland" rugby amply demonstrates our mean-spirited, insensitive, intolerant, dismissive and bullying attitude towards them.

The belated move to Ireland's Call and a flag showing the four provinces is, I believe, an honourable compromise which both sides can support with gusto. If we can't show respect to unionists in these small matters, what hope is there of genuine reconciliation and peace between our two peoples on the larger stage? - Yours, etc,

DICK KEANE, Glenageary, Co Dublin.

Madam, - I note from your edition of September 24th that both your own correspondent and the rugby correspondent of L'Équipe see Ireland as in need of a miracle if the team is to qualify for the quarter-finals of the current World Cup. How far is Bordeaux from Lourdes? We still have four days! - Yours, etc,

GERARD O'REILLY, South Park, Dublin 18.