Madam, - Placing such a magnificent stadium at the disposal of the IRFU and FAI has been acknowledged, and rightly so, as a wonderful and generous gesture by the GAA. The GAA might also have something useful to learn from this experience.
As a long-standing patron of most matches in Croke Park, one thing that struck me forcibly last Sunday was the obvious enthusiasm of perhaps over 60,000 of those attending singing the Irish national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann. Yet I have been dismayed by the practice introduced by Croke Park in recent years, especially at major matches, whereby a celebrity singer belts out the National Anthem over the PA system, leaving the rest of us almost reduced to silence.
Croke Park, please let the patrons take centre stage again! - Yours, etc,
TOM KEANE, Shielmartin Drive, Sutton, Dublin 13.
Madam, - At the Ireland-France game last Sunday, the national anthem of the Republic of Ireland was played as well as the "Presidential Salute", with tricolours flying all around the ground. Yet there was no sign of any representation or support for the Northern Irish players or supporters. Why? Ahead of the game against England, many commentators are discussing whether or not God Save the Queenwill be played for the England team. I have a more pertinent question: as the anthem of Northern Ireland, why wasn't it played last Sunday? I was under the impression that the team was supposed to represent both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, but there are no signs of this.
Ireland's Callwas introduced as an anthem for all, yet it has been decided there is still the need for a rendition of The Soldier's Song. This has been justified as an expression of "respect" for the host nation. How about a bit of respect for Northern Ireland and its representatives on and off the field? Staging the game at the home of an openly sectarian organisation only adds to the intimidation. Even if they were encouraged to, how could Northern Irish people feel safe flying their flag? If the Ireland team is to represent two countries, then why are only one country's anthem and flag flown? Either have both or do away with them altogether. Yours, etc,
AARON McCALISTER, London E11.
Madam, - David Collins (February 13th) must not have been at the All-Ireland football final of 2003, when the supporters of Tyrone and Armagh remained silent until the national anthem had finished. Last Sunday was a second, not a first. - Yours, etc,
DARA HAYES, Glebe Park, Ratoath, Co Meath.
Madam, - Apropos of those southside-northside comments, what caps them all (pardon the pun) is that Brian O'Driscoll is from the northside. - Yours, etc,
OLIVER McGRANE, Marley Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.