Sir, – I’m aghast that Alison Healy (“An Irish Diary”, February 9th) in her highlighting the niche sporting events available worldwide lamented the absence of any indigenous and highly skilful pursuits particular to Ireland.
Well, here in Cappataggle in east Galway we have the annual turf-footing competition. I’m shocked that Healy has yet to experience this outstanding and highly skilled pursuit that strains back and bone, and is as culturally important as St Patrick, bacon and cabbage, poitín and bowls of shamrock transported to sitting US presidents. And is shortly to be submitted for consideration for inclusion in the Olympics. (Well, break dancing is there.) And, on conclusion, great pride is taken when footed sods generate both heat and light, as the results go up in smoke. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS FINN,
Cappataggle,
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Ballinasloe,
Co Galway.
