Sir, – Malachy Clerkin is dubious about the suggestion of a Euro 2028 “legacy” (“Great that Euro 2028 is coming to Ireland, but enough already with the guff about its legacy”, Analysis, Sport, October 5th) but I wonder. Your news on Thursday includes the shocking revelation that rebuilding Casement Park in Belfast with a “blank cheque” from public money “has been fiercely opposed by the DUP” (“Euro 2028: DUP opposes rebuilding Casement Park with a ‘blank cheque’ of public money”, News, October 5th).
I see an angle here to allow the DUP to return from its self-imposed exile. The DUP will be in a position to influence the allocation of funds to Casement Park only if it returns to the Executive. It should be a simple matter to persuade its holdouts that its presence at the table is necessary to hold the line on throwing scarce exchequer funding at foreign sports. And they might find it helpful if Casement Park is renamed Carson Park or similar when the GAA isn’t looking.
There is another sop which might ease the DUP’s painful movement off the fence. Under the Windsor Framework, goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland and which are to remain in His Brittanic Majesty’s United Kingdom go through a “green” channel. Goods destined for the “Free State” or elsewhere in the EU pass through a “red” channel. Should the DUP not have as a new “red line” that these designations be reversed? It might take a bit of getting used to but think of the achievement which the DUP could sell to its members. – Yours, etc,
PAT O’BRIEN,
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Rathmines,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – Euro2028? No! Of course not.
What else can the DUP say? – Yours, etc,
ART Ó LAOGHAIRE,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – Malachy Clerkin gives us an excellent analysis on the forthcoming announcements regarding the joint bid for Euro 2028.
While major discussions will take place around the availability of Casement Park, should more concern be focused on Wembley stadium being chosen for the final, and if that venue is prepared, in light of previous episodes of chaos during the Euro 2020 final, which was described in an independent review of the events as a “day of national shame”? – Yours, etc,
PAT SAVAGE,
Drogheda,
Co Louth.
Sir, – Further to “Euro 2028: Ireland and UK set to be confirmed as hosts after Turkey withdrew bid” (Sport, October 4th), this is good news. What better time for the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Football Association to open talks on the creation of an all-island international soccer team to represent our diverse island. Rugby has led the way in illustrating what can be achieved by an all-island approach to sport on the international stage and its positive benefits for players, supporters, people’s good humour and social engagement.
The time has come for change, vision and the creation of an international team that can be real winners. Let’s not ignore this opportunity. – Yours, etc,
ALAN SHATTER,
Dublin 16.