Sir, – I wish to strongly disagree with the politically correct nonsense put out by Vincent Browne ("Rugby culture is boorishly patriarchal", Opinion and Analysis, March 19th).
Rugby is hard and physical and those who engage in it accept that or do not play it. That is the reality. It is good to see the Irish women’s rugby team do so well internationally and may they continue to prosper. They are quite prepared to engage in rough physical play, showing bravery, courage and determination and no-one criticises them! – Yours, etc,
DAVE KAVANAGH,
Lawrence Grove,
Clontarf, Dublin 3.
A chara, – Vincent Browne approaches the topic of physically aggressive sports such as rugby from an entirely negative point of view.
Contrary to Mr Browne’s assertion, it is perfectly possible to enjoy the positive aggression of sports such as rugby and Gaelic football without being a dysfunctional, violence-glorifying misogynist. Indeed, for many sedentary office workers – both male and female – the catharsis of physical exertion is highly conducive to good physical and mental health. There’s nothing like a big “hit” to clear the head and improve the mood!
Indeed, if Mr Browne had taken the time to watch the women’s international which followed Brian O’Driscoll’s last match at the Aviva, he would have seen a formidable team of Irish women crashing into their Italian opponents with great skill and physical fearlessness. Are they, too, propagating the nefarious “culture of rugby” which glorifies the infliction of pain?
Mr Browne might consider receiving a few decent shoulder charges or rugby tackles to clear his mind of this misguided theorising. – Is mise,
OLOF GILL,
The Mill,
Clare Island,
Co Mayo.