Sir, – There were three remarkable aspects of Sunday’s hurling final that eclipsed the greatness of the game itself: Cork’s integrity and grace in how they accepted defeat in a game of micro-margins and tight calls, as embodied by manager Pat Ryan and RTÉ panellist Dónal Óg Cusack; the sustained resilience and fortitude of Clare to win this All-Ireland after three Munster final and two All-Ireland semi-final defeats in recent seasons, as epitomised by both Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell; the enlightenment and discernment of the words, “You are in Croke Park today, if not in body, then in spirit and we thank the countries who took you in and gave you jobs and allowed you to make a new name for yourselves with our native games”, as spoken by GAA president Jarlath Burns, when referring to our diaspora and their ancestors who left this country because of war and famine. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL GANNON,
Kilkenny.
Sir, – Your player ratings including bench and bainisteoir were Cork 105, Clare 129. In the actual match, Clare prevailed after extra time by a single point. Something is askew. – Yours, etc,
GREG BROPHY,
Dublin 6W.
Sir, – Lovely hurling! – Yours, etc,
CIANA CAMPBELL,
Ennis,
Co Clare.