Madam, - I am no apologist for the GAA, but I do not believe that it is any longer a sectarian organisation. The abuse meted out to the Protestant hurler in the North is not based on sectarianism, but is simply part of the culture of intimidation of opponents, which is rife in Gaelic games.
Taunting by verbal or physical means is deliberately designed to upset an opponent, thereby breaking his concentration and affecting his performance. This can often lead to the punch-ups and free-for-alls that attract and entertain the crowds.
The current win-at-all-costs attitude, particularly in Gaelic football, is the antithesis of sportsmanship and should cause parents to consider whether the GAA's sporting ethos is the one in which they wish their child to develop. - Yours, etc,
JIM McGLONE, Ballybrack, Co Dublin.
Madam, - A Lisnaskea Emmets GAA player is abused for being a Protestant. The club is named after Robert Emmet, also a Protestant. There are none so blind as the bigots who cannot see. - Yours, etc,
J McKEOWN, King's Channel, Waterford.