Madam, - It was with total exasperation that I read Sandra Ricken's criticism (May 15th) of Tom Humphries for using the word "chicks" to describe women camogie players.
As a father of a 10- year-old daughter who plays camogie, along with hockey and basketball, I found Tom Humphries's article entertaining and uplifting. I identify with his feelings about women in sport and would fight to have my daughter's sport considered as equal in importance to the sport played by her male contemporaries.
Sandra Ricken found the headline "All aboard for the Chicks with Sticks revolution" offensive. This reaction is typical of the po-faced, humourless, politically correct attitude that discourages men from speaking out in favour of gender equality. The title was a catchy play on words along the lines of "Girl Power". What would she have him use? "Humans of the Female Gender with Sticks" has a nice ring to it.
I suggest that Sandra might lighten up and celebrate the rise of Irish women in sport. - Yours, etc.,
TONY O'BRIEN, Cremore Villas, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.
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Madam, - I highly commend Tom Humphries's article "Chicks with Sticks" (Sport, May 12th). Once again his concise, critical and factual approach expertly sums up the potential for camogie in this country.
My daughters play with Kilmacud Crokes and I have watched them participate eagerly in a game which fosters commitment, team play, skill and fun with a positive ripple effect in other areas of their lives. - Yours, etc.,
PATRICIA O'CONNELL, Mount Anville Park, Goatstown, Dublin 14.