BEFORE THE BAN

Sir, - In the business supplement under "In the Margin", your writer says that "a soccer ball has never yet graced the pitch at Croke Park." I would like to add that 100 years ago, in May 1896, a soccer international exhibition was held there when it was known as the "City & Suburban Ground", Jones Road.

In fact, it was a ladies' soccer match. The opposing teams were a combination of Scotland and Ireland versus England. The good news is that we beat England three goals to two. - Yours, etc.,

Avondale Lawn Ext.,

Blackrock,

Co Dublin.