It isn't often that senior members of the Fourth Estate get an opportunity to pat each other on the back. More often than not, a stab is more appropriate - or more likely - when journalists get together.

Some years ago when what was then Coras Iompar Eireann used to throw a Christmas party for journalists, bets were taken and laid on when the row would start.

But there wasn't a referee in sight at a function last Wednesday evening. The occasion, brought about by Sligoman Hugh Cawley of the Allied Irish Bank, was to pay tribute to three revered members of the sporting press who have over a period of years made a huge contribution to the GAA and journalism.

The three were Donal Carroll of the Irish Independent, Mick Dunne of the late lamented Irish Press and later RTE and Paddy Downey of The Irish Times.

Even in a business where nasty invective is more common than decent criticism nobody can argue about the distinction and decency which has been brought to sports journalism by all three.

It was interesting indeed to note that other men of distinction in the field of Gaelic games sports journalism - Sean Og O Ceallachain,

Raymond Smith, Peadar O'Brien and Con Houlihan - were there to represent the `younger breed'.

Needless to say, it was Paddy Downey who wittily and cogently expressed the appreciation of all for the contribution of Allied Irish Bank who had launched the club championship in the first place in 1971 and which had earlier pioneered sponsorship of Gaelic games many years ago with the Wembley Games in London, the brain-child of Bob Ryan and the late Vincent O'Dea back in the 1950s.

Downey pointed out that the club championship has now replaced the Railway Cups as the protected date of St Patrick's Day at Croke Park.

In that context it is interesting to note that the rebuilding programme at Croke Park has now reached a stage where it can be predicted that as many as 60,000 people can be accommodated there for that occasion and that there will not be any reduction in numbers for the All-Ireland finals in September.

Phase three of the development - the demolition and rebuilding of what is now the Hogan Stand - has been advanced considerably, with the National Lottery grant of £20 million playing a significant part.

There are many reasons to recognise the contribution to sport in this country which has been made by Donal Carroll, Mick Dunne and Paddy Downey. This writer had the pleasure of being in Donal's company at many venues and on many occasions and the word `gentleman' remains inadequate. The same applies to Mick and Paddy.

O Ceallachain, O'Brien and Bob Hyland bringing Dublin back into the fold.

Sadly, when it comes to the integrity of sport, many people have taken their eye off the ball. Increasing commercialism has taken over many of sport's decencies. This was demonstrated vividly and colourfully (pun intended) at Lansdowne Road last Saturday. The commercial companies involved (they will not be mentioned here) owe an apology to the players, the supporters and everybody else involved for sheer greedy exploitation in the way they polluted the pitch with their painted slogans. The television companies and the IRFU are not blameless either.

To return to decency: the recognition of the contribution made by men like Donal Carroll, Mick Dunne and Paddy Downey to Irish sport and to Irish social life in general is warmly welcomed.

Many others continue to emulate them. Not long ago the Irish under-17 soccer team and the Offaly hurling squad found themselves on the same plane to Cape Town and the Offaly squad turned up in force at - of all sites - Athlone Stadium for the Irish team's opening match to witness a significant Irish victory.

Later the managers, Brian Kerr and Michael Bond (Offaly), organised a joint party where new friendships and loyalties were forged. That is the kind of attitude which makes sport so valuable for all of us.

People like Carroll, Dunne and Downey have made a huge contribution to the situation which brought such an ecumenical situation about. It behoves all of us who may have some influence to ensure that their legacy is cherished and embellished.