A chara, – I was privileged to attend the Dublin-Tipperary hurling semi- final at Croke Park with my seven-year-old son. It was a fantastic match and a great testament to the game of kings. It struck me during the interval how just how fortunate we are to have these occasions, these sports, these vast networks of community goodwill – ham sandwiches and tea included. And in the midst of it all, athletic grace, elite sportsmanship, honesty and hard-earned honour.
Media commentators at home and abroad have wondered why there have been no mass street protests here, despite the bust, the IMF and economic collapse. I would suggest they go to Croke Park on an August Sunday: I think they might find part of the answer. We do still have a cathedral where honesty of effort is cherished and merit is earned by those who deserve it. And to a man, Dublin and Tipp, they deserve all the praise they get. – Is mise,