Sir, - It has been said that there are no winners in the Roy Keane saga, but I believe it is possible to change this. What is the FAI's intention for all the number 6 jerseys it had brought to Japan for Roy Keane to wear? Surely there are people who would be willing to pay considerable sums for "the jersey that Roy Keane didn't wear in the 2002 World Cup Finals"? And perhaps even more for a signed jersey?
There are many deserving causes for the proceeds of any auction for these items. It might also be an opportunity for some good PR for both parties. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL PORTER,
Cabinteely,
Dublin 18.
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Sir, - I hope the media will resist the temptation to resurrect the Keane issue if the game goes badly on Saturday. I wish the team all the best for the tournament. Unfortunately, the loudmouths hogging the airwaves have created the impression in Japan that Ireland unambiguously supports Roy Keane. I respect Roy Keane's decisions, but I suspect there is a silent majority in this country whose sympathies lie with Mick McCarthy. - Yours, etc.,
BARRY SMITH,
Inchicore,
Dublin 8.
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Sir, - With reference to Mary Hannigan's "Emotional rollercoaster ride" (Sport, May 28th), could she please take off her Manchester United red tinted-glasses? Of course Roy Keane cares about playing for his country - we are all aware of that.
However, he has shown a disrespect for his manager and fellow players as well as a lack of humility. To quote the Victorian John Ruskin, "When a man is wrapped up in himself he makes a pretty small package." - Yours, etc.
GAVIN GOLLOGLEY,
The Rise,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 11.
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Sir, - At the end of the day, it was a row of two halves. And it ended in a nil-all draw. - Yours, etc.,
SHANE O MEARAIN ,
Fitzwilliam Quay,
Ringsend,
Dublin 4.
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Sir, - Recently in conversation I was heard to utter that Mr Roy Keane was a "petulant and immature gob" and that Mr Michael McCarthy was "a stubborn and recalcitrant mule". I acknowledge that I did indeed make these remarks. However, I feel it would be unhelpful to Irish football and indeed to world peace, European unity, political stability in the Middle East and a whole variety of current global issues for me to apologise. - Yours, etc.,
ANDREW O'SULLIVAN,
Ard Easmuinn,
Dundalk,
Co Louth.
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A chara, - On RTÉ's lunchtime television news on Tuesday, reporter Tony O'Donoghue said Ireland's preparation for the World Cup had become the worst of any country in the history of the competition.
Given the media's insistence on talking about Roy Keane rather than Ireland's ongoing attempts at preparing for their first game of the tournament, O'Donoghue's observation was rather like keeping a hand on a drowning man's head while remarking that he cannot swim.
Niall Quinn has pleaded with the media to move on from this story and concentrate on football. If Ireland do not perform well in this World Cup, the blame will rest not with Mick McCarthy, nor with anything that Roy Keane may have done, but rather with those who cannot accept that the universe does not revolve around Roy Keane. - Is mise,
KEVIN O'BRADY,
Hawthorn Park,
Swords,
Co Dublin.
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Sir, - Could this topic be put back where it belongs - the sport pages? - Yours, etc.,
CATHERINE DEEGAN,
Clareview,
Limerick.