MICHAEL O'LEARY,
Sir, - The weather was poor this summer - but what glorious days we had in Croke Park!
Through your pages may I thank the following? Michael Hussey of the Longford minors for scoring the goal of the season in the Leinster final; James Bateson of the Derry minors for that amazing point from the sideline in the All-Ireland semi-final; D.J. Carey for that other amazing point in the hurling final; Colin Lynch for ensuring I won a €5 bet in the match against Galway; Colin Corkery for showing us that it's not only soccer players with white boots who can deliver a scintillating 50-yard pass; Colm Cooper's parents; the entire Tipperary and Kilkenny teams for the All-Ireland hurling semi-final; the Sligo team for that comeback in the football quarter-finals; the Dubs' supporters for the noise and atmosphere; the Armagh supporters for ensuring that I too got to parade around the pitch on All-Ireland Sunday; the man I met from Crossmaglen who showed me that great photograph of his father at the 1953 final. . .And finally, may I thank all those who had the vision and determination to create the new Croke Park?
Well done, Armagh. Not even a broken-hearted Kerryman could begrudge you that fantastic win.
Can't wait until next year! - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL O'LEARY,
Wilfield Park,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.