Madam, – After the dramatic finish at the Ryder Cup, maybe Tom Humphries might be converted to golf? (Lockerroom, October 4th). It’s a pity that one of sport’s best writers can’t see past all the “hokum” of the Ryder Cup. The trappings at Celtic Manor, much like any major professional sporting event, are often hard to digest for the average sports fan, but all the pomp and ceremony are a bit like the ad breaks during an All-Ireland final – we tolerate them if only so that we can be captivated by the real drama on the playing field.
For sporting drama there could be little to rival the manner of Europe’s victory and at the heart of it all were three playing Irishmen, one of whom would hold his nerve to seal the crucial point needed to win. I fail to see how someone with a heartbeat and some Irish blood couldn’t be captivated by it all.
There may be bigger tests in golf; there may be better fields in major championships, but the pursuit of excellence is always a riveting experience.
Mr Humphries we know is much keener on GAA than golf, but surely he can see that just like players achieve things they might never do again in the cauldron of Croke Park, the same miraculous moments – a crucial putt or a vital par – can happen at an expensive, washed-out golf course in the Welsh valleys? Don’t be blinded by the lights, Tom. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Once upon a time (from 2000 for about six years) I was addicted to Lockerroom. Monday wasn’t Monday without picking up The Irish Times on the way to work and discussing Tom’s views over coffee. At work, we had a bit of a Tom Humphries fan club that developed into a Tom Humphries book club as he produced more and more excellence.
But something has changed. Perhaps it’s me . . .
I’m tired of the complaining about everything except Kilkenny hurling, or Cork player power. Rugby is not GAA, therefore it is the poorer for it. Ryder Cup is over hyped; this from the man that dedicated the Lockerroom of the Monday after the SHC All Ireland to the loss of the glorious five in a row. If ever anything was over- hyped in the last two years, it was Kilkenny hurling.
I watch the Ryder Cup because I enjoy the match play. I like that Europe has a team. I don’t feel bad that the rest of the world is not invited; I’m not stopping them from setting up their own competition. I like the jumpers and the co-ordinated wet gear. I even like the fact that the wives and girlfriends are recognised and involved, it’s a change from the norm.
Of course there’s the danger marketing and money will take over an event, but I try not to get too upset about it. It is only a game.
Sponsorships, deals, event broadcasters come and go; sport continues. – Yours etc,
SINEAD QUEALY,
Kilmacthomas,
Co Waterford.
Madam, – A large, partisan, occasionally soaked, but perfectly behaved and good-humoured crowd, exemplary manners,respect and good sportsmanship between the players, no referees attacked by spectators, a ball that works, no under-the-counter payments to managers and agents, no players cheating as a matter of course; four days of entertainment ending in a nail-biting, edge-of- your seat finish, with an Irishman as the hero.
No wonder Tom Humphries prefers football and GAA. – Yours, etc,