Sir, - In 1975, the IRFU celebrated its "centenary" year, unfortunately prematurely. In fact the IRFU was not established until 1879 when the then Irish Football Union and Northern Football Union amalgamated. Under the auspices of these two bodies Ireland first played an International match - against England in 1875.
I understand the IRFU now intends to compound its original error by promoting the forthcoming match between Ireland and the Barbarians as a celebration of its "125th anniversary". Would it not be preferable, even at this late stage, that the IRFU should put the record straight by playing this game to honour those who first took the field in Irish jerseys and their Associations, North and South? It would then be possible to celebrate the 125th anniversary in the correct year - 2004. In fact it seems strange that the IRFU should have overlooked this additional source of revenue. - Yours, etc.,
David Fitzpatrick, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6W.