FINIAN McGRATH TD,
Sir, - There has to be something wrong with a society when a player like Roy Keane can come home and receive a standing ovation in Tolka Park. I find it very strange indeed that nobody had the courage to tell him that he made a major mistake during the World Cup and that he let his country down.
His behaviour was a disgrace and most football supporters know in their hearts that there was a semi-final in this team.
Mick McCarthy and the rest of the squad behaved with great courage and dignity.
If Roy Keane is genuine, he should apologise to Mick McCarthy, the Irish team and the Irish people for letting the country down in our moment of potential glory. Over the years other sports people had to swallow their pride and put their country first. Many of them were not as highly paid as Roy Keane.
There might have been 11,000 adoring fans at Tolka Park that night but there are many more football supporters who were devastated by Keane's behaviour during the World Cup. It is now time for him to face up to that reality. - Yours, etc.,
FINIAN McGRATH TD, Dáil Éireann, Baile Átha Cliath 2.