Sir, – I read that Uefa is to confer upon us what must be the most patronising award in world sport – “Best Fans” (Breaking News, July 2nd). Michel Platini will come to Dublin to ruffle our hair and give a sweetie because we sang so well at the big show. Never mind the football, we managed to drink Poland dry without beating too many people and managed to get all the way though Stand Up for the Boys in Green without falling over. How wonderful we are reminding all of Europe once again that the best way to deal with Ireland is to tickle our belly. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – According to figures in The Irish Times on Saturday, the overall attendance at five Airtricity League of Ireland games on Friday night last amounted to a meagre 7,754.
The majority of the “wonderful” Irish supporters who caused so much merriment when celebrating the defeats at Euro 2012 obviously have not recovered from their exertions and long travelling to go out and support local soccer.
But, no doubt, these dedicated fans will soon turn out in big numbers, as they did thousands of miles away, to boost crowds at League of Ireland matches. – Yours, etc,