A chara, - Seán Moran quotes two recent comments about the vexed question of the GAA having an alcohol firm sponsoring the premium hurling championship (Sports, November 29th).
Danny Lynch of the GAA makes valid points in reply to Dr Joe Barry's criticism of this ongoing disaster. But let us not over-use the word "hypocrisy". It seems to me that both men miss the salient point: in a sense they are both correct, and yet they are both mistaken.
True, the GAA is to be faulted for accepting money to encourage the abuse of alcohol. Many genuine friends and patrons of the GAA are deeply embarrassed by that distasteful policy.
Similarly, it is an anomaly that Dr Barry should not forcefully condemn the widespread advertising of the drug alcohol, for sordid profit, by so many other powerful groups and media.
But an all-important point for the GAA - and indeed for Irish society - is that that splendid organisation has by its own rules set itself a higher ideal in the interest of the people of Ireland. No cheap cynicism can gainsay that proud and splendid stand.
The GAA should now abide by that higher ideal, which is increasingly needed in today's Ireland. What and who is the real enemy? Perhaps both Danny Lynch and Dr Barry could join forces to address the real enemy, particularly in view of the enlightened attitude of the present president of the GAA. - Is mise,
LEON Ó MÓRCHÁIN, Cluain Cearbán, Co Mhaigh Eo.