Madam, - What makes the All-Ireland Championship at Croke Park each September so memorable is surely the conduct of the spectators.
Not only are they passionate in support of their own county, but they mingle together in rivalry without hostility. Tyrone could not have celebrated their historic victory with such joy had not the supporters of Armagh been gracious and dignified in defeat.
I write in the hope that we can show a similar passion and sportsmanship in support of our rugby players as they set out to bring the Webb Ellis Trophy home (yes, home) to Ireland.
Like Tyrone (and Armagh before them), the Ireland rugby team need to see the enthusiasm of their supporters if they are to fulfil their own dreams. I hope that we can send them on their way to Australia in a sea of green and white with the famous shamrock of Ireland.
If the footballers of Tyrone can realise their dreams in Dublin, it is not unreasonable to hope that the rugby players of Ireland can realise their dream in Melbourne and Sydney. - Yours, etc.,
GERALD MORGAN, FTCD, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2.