Madam, - I believe that with an imaginative approach there is a future for the International Rules matches between Ireland and Australia. I suggest that any Irish team of the future should be made up of Gaelic and rugby footballers.
This is not as far-fetched as it sounds. Many of our rugby players have more than a passing acquaintance with "caid". Shane Horgan represented Meath at Gaelic Football and many others have Gaelic backgrounds. At the very least a team bolstered by professional rugby players would match the Australians in what is quaintly termed the "physicality" of the compromise game.
One would be forgiven for thinking that Ulster players might not feature very prominently in such a side, but I'm quite sure some of our Northern brethren could be converted.
Imagine, in the not too distant future, Andrew Trimble scything through the Aussies at Croke Park with John "the Bull" Hayes at full back and Malcolm O'Kelly, who also played Gaelic in his schooldays, featuring at full forward.
By that time Sinn Féin and the DUP may well be in government together and their leaders will be seated in the Ard Comhairle section of the stand, brothers without arms. Of course, in keeping with the spirit of compromise the games might have to be played on Saturdays.
Could one envisage a more ecumenical scenario? - Yours, etc,
JIM O'CONNELL,
Ashtown,
Dublin 7.