Sir, – I’m an avid sports fan but I haven’t felt like this in a long, long time. Any time I think about the decision to drop Brian O’Driscoll from Saturday’s Lions squad I feel physically ill; like the bottom has dropped out of my stomach. I feel profoundly disappointed that one of the greatest Irish athletes I have ever seen has been denied the opportunity to put one final, crowning moment on an amazing career. And what’s worse: he deserves to play.
However, those who are planning on supporting Australia on Saturday are missing the point.
This is what sport is all about. This is why we love it.
The infuriating feeling of powerlessness and injustice is intoxicating. Without lows like these, we’d never enjoy the highs as much. Without moments like these, would we have celebrated O’Driscoll’s last minute try against Australia in 2009 or his hat-trick against France in 2000 with such blind enthusiasm? At those moments of ecstasy, nothing was wrong with the world.
It’s what sport is all about. It’s why we love it.
On Saturday morning I will be cheering on the British and Irish Lions. I’ll be cheering on Sean O’Brien, Jonathan Sexton and Tommy Bowe. Let’s hope they can deliver the series victory to the man who wants it more than anyone. He deserves it. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT BEIRNE,
Coundon Court,
Killiney, Co Dublin.
Sir, – There has been some comment in the media of the selection of 10 Welshmen on the “British and Irish” Lions team to play Australia on Saturday. It is worth noting that, but for injuries to Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton, plus Tommy Bowe’s near miraculous recovery from same, that number might have been 13.
The other night my wife asked me why the Lions played in red. I was unable to answer. The answer seems somewhat clearer to me now. – Yours, etc,
DAVE ROBBIE,
Seafield Crescent,
Booterstown,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – What . . .NO’Driscoll? – Yours, etc,
JOHN O’DONNELL,
Temple Villas,
Dublin 6.