RYAN McCARTHY,
Sir, - John Kelly (July 11th) writes "as someone who is a subscriber to Sky Sports and so will not be greatly affected by this deal". I too am a Sky subscriber and will be greatly affected by this deal.
I appear to be one of Mr Kelly's "loyal Irish supporters" who in fact thoroughly welcome the Sky-FAI deal. For I am one of the 12,000 to 14,000 National League fans who turned up to watch the opening round of games last weekend. The money from this deal will benefit the real Irish football fan who turns up at Dalymount, Turner's Cross, the Brandywell and such grounds throughout the country.
At a time when the Nationwide League is self-combusting in England, the FAI has secured a TV deal that will help improve National League facilities, encourage young Irish players to stay and play their club football in this country and provide quality Irish players returning from England (George O'Callaghan, Damien Lynch, Kevin Doherty) with a suitable platform to display their talents.
It seems there is the pertinent need to distinguish between Irish fans and Irish football supporter. The truth of all this "affair" is the unwillingness of the fair-weather Oirish fan to recognise the real benefits of the Sky deal.
Football "fans" no longer have the right to expect Irish international games for nothing. Where was their outcry at RTE's disgraceful coverage of the Irish game?
To those who feel "disenfranchised" why not turn up to a National League ground and make your voice heard. That's where you'll find that rare species, the real Irish football supporter. - Yours, etc.,
RYAN McCARTHY, Heffernan's Terrace, Castlemartyr, Co Cork.
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Sir, - Could we dispense with the term "fan" and revert to "supporter"? Perhaps then the FAI would realise that Irish spectators, whether at home or in attendance at matches are not fanatical enthusiasts but discerning participants who can withdraw as well as lend support. - Yours, etc.,
TERRY GRIFFIN, Aughrim Street, Dublin 7.
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Sir, - Now that the Taoiseach has involved himself in the FAI-Sky controversy, I have a solution which will surely resolve the problem.
Ask Mr Murdoch to rescind his contract with the FAI, and in return offer him exclusive rights to the Fianna Fáil Árd-Fheis - for the next 10 years. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN V. McKENNA, Howth Road, Dublin 5.