SORCHA NI MHURCU,
Madam, - I must express my disappointment at Tom Humphries's remarks about Cork (LockerRoom, December 2nd).
I have consistently bought your paper for years, and even though now I'm now living in Paris, I still do. I have a high degree of respect for the journalists of The Irish Times, especially Mr Humphries. I have always looked forward to reading his LockerRoom column and his analysis of weekend sport. However, after reading this particular article, I could not suppress my shock.
Would such sweeping generalities have been allowed to go to print had they concerned Co Derry or (God forbid) Co Dublin? What outrage would there have been had he said that a Cromwellian plantation would be recommended for Dublin? Personally, however, it was the statement that Cork is a Bosnia waiting to happen that most incensed me.
Mr Humphries should be reminded that he is a sports journalist. He has demonstrated a complete lack of knowledge of Cork and its inhabitants and therefore should have more sense than to start analysing the social structure of the area when he should be writing specifically about sport.
I hope that in future we can expect to read about sports in the sports section. I didn't think that that was too much to expect, especially when I'm paying €3-4 for the day before's paper. - Is mise,
SORCHA NÍ MHURCÚ,
Rue Daviel,
Paris,
France.