Sir, - In his article on the All-Ireland Hurling Final (August 31st), John Banville refers to "a people as prone to violence as the Irish". What does he mean? Is he suggesting that we are more prone to violence than, say, other Europeans and North Americans? And, if so, where is his evidence?
This, and his reference to "this essentially peasant game", suggest an ignorant and disturbing condescension. Yours, etc.,
North Great George's Street, Dublin 1.