Madam, - As an Irishman living abroad, I was immensely proud of Ireland's hosting of the Ryder Cup last weekend. Well done to everyone concerned. As for the contest itself, I am reminded how Jack Nicklaus in the 1970s, concerned that Britain and Ireland were no match for the US, suggested the change to a European team.
I wonder if it is time to invite our US friends to enrol the rest of the world and once again make a contest of the Ryder Cup. - Yours, etc,
BARRY QUINN, Hamburg, Germany.
Madam, - In the past few months we have seen the rugby players of Munster and Ireland celebrating their great victories by drinking alcohol on the pitch in the immediate aftermath of their final games. The winner's podium of every motor-racing Grand Prix has the playful spraying and splashing of alcohol as a central theme. Many of the pictures from last weekend's Ryder Cup celebrations show players in various stages of alcohol consumption.
While there are doubtless subliminal messages there for us all, we generally resist the urge to dash off to the local off-licence at the first sight of these role models in unguarded moments of understandable exuberance. However, it is impossible not to wonder at the silence of those who so regularly criticise the sponsorship of the GAA's premier hurling competition by a drinks company. Can you imagine the outcry if a celebrating hurler or footballer walked around Croke Park with a pint of plain?
It seems that this particular "sauce" is all right for the goose but not so suitable for the gander. - Yours, etc,
DIARMUID and MARTIN RYAN, Tullamore, Co Offaly.