Madam, – Disillusioned by the ill-tempered borefest that has been this year’s World Cup, I made the short journey to Nyon to offer my support to Ireland’s under-17 women’s team in their European Championship final against Spain.
Having shown great courage and tenacity over 100 gruelling minutes in sweltering heat, Ireland were heartbreakingly edged out on penalties by an excellent Spanish side.
What was most impressive, however, was the dignity and sportsmanship with which these young women conducted themselves in defeat, as they embraced the unlucky penalty-takers, showed their appreciation to the travelling support and hurried into position to clap their victorious opponents off the pitch.
The overpaid, tantrum-throwing prima “donnas” who have hogged our television screens for much of the past month would have done well to have taken note.
When the gongs are being dished out at the end of this sporting year, my vote for “best team” will be going to the under-17 girls in green. Their coaches, their parents and the entire country should be immensely proud of them.
– Yours, etc,