AISLING MULLALLY,
Sir, - Ryan McCarthy (July 17th) believes the FAI deal with Sky will improve the game in Ireland by providing more funding for the Eircom League.
As a loyal supporter of St Patrick's Athletic, I agree that the domestic league needs more money and better facilities. However, I don't think that the Sky deal will benefit football in this country, domestic or international.
The way to promote the game is through winning the interest of children. This generation's children will not have the opportunity to see Ireland internationals on television (on TV3 the matches won't end until half-past midnight, which is far too late for children). As a result, they will have less interest in football and will turn their attention to other sports. The National League will suffer as a result.
The league needs players more than facilities. The country is disillusioned with the FAI and that won't help the National League any more than it will help the international game. - Yours, etc.,
AISLING MULLALLY, Ashton Grove, Dublin 16.