Madam, - Throughout its history the GAA has admirably sought to facilitate expatriates' love for our national games, particularly in London and New York. Many people are unaware that London has claimed an All-Ireland trophy, winning the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1901.
New York's hurlers, to the surprise of many, recently defeated Derry to claim a place in the Ulster Final against Antrim. The goodwill and interest generated by this victory and ensuing final has the potential to boost the popularity of Gaelic games in New York for years to come.
But now the final, scheduled to be played in Belfast, is now in doubt over some of the New York players' reluctance to travel because of immigration issues.
New York are desperate to play the game in the "Big Apple" and, as always, will foot the visiting team's expenses. It is therefore the duty of the GAA's Ulster branch to facilitate the needs of faithful expatriates who have ensured the survival of our national heritage abroad for so long.
To do otherwise would surely deal a hammer blow to Gaelic games and their advocates in the United States. - Yours, etc,
TED SHEILS, Trinity Hall, Dublin 6.