Sir, - It has been proven that Saudi Arabian footballers are no great sheikhs. - Yours, etc.,
ARTHUR REYNOLDS,
Seapoint Avenue,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
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Sir, - Yet again, I was sorry and saddened to hear many Irish men and women express their disgust when the news broke that England had taken the lead against Argentina in their recent World Cup encounter. Maybe I am jumping to conclusions. It is quite possible that the old-fashioned reactions expressed when hearing the score may be due to the fact that those disappointed all have a relation or in-law from Argentina or Sweden. Somehow I don't think so.
This is so typical of Irish society. All things English are bad. Well, maybe those who resent the English so much should stop supporting the many English soccer teams from the English leagues? Maybe they should support Irish soccer? It may not have the same glamour, but at least it's not of the dreaded English variety.
But who would listen to me? I'm just a regular guy who does not like to judge people by their nationality and certainly would not like to be judged on the basis of my own. - Yours, etc.,
PETER CLANCY,
Trim,
Co Meath.
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Sir, - Now that we are being given regular opportunities to view "world-class" stadiums, hopefully our Government will get to see the picture. The current "Bertie Bowl" proposal certainly does not seem to measure up. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN C. SCANNELL,
Clonskeagh,
Dublin 14.
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Sir, - Father Stephen Redmond (June 7th) "strongly protests" at the "misuse of the national flag by Guinness in its World Cup advertising".
He forgets that the State paid the brewery a great compliment in 1922 by borrowing its trademark harp in reverse, since seen on millions of coins and documents. Dublin stout was a well-known Irish product several decades before the Tricolour was invented..
Although he says that beer is a "dubious" national symbol, St Patrick was inspired to bring his personal brewer, Mescan, around the country with him on his conversionary tours. Dare I suggest that his great success was due in some part to Mescan's skills? - Yours etc.,
PATRICK GUINNESS,
Furness,
Naas,
Co Kildare.
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Sir, - Mary Hannigan writes (June 10th): "If there is someone out there who is neutral about the Today FM presenter and RTE football pundit they're keeping a very low profile."
I pass over the grammatical inelegance and ask Ms Hannigan why she finds it strange that I, that neutral someone, feel no need to take to the airwaves to proclaim my indifference to Mr Dunphy's fate? - Yours etc.,
PÁDRAIGIN RIGGS,
Central Avenue,
Bishopstown,
Cork.