Sir, – I would welcome an in-depth (and honest) assessment from the media as to why rugby, cricket, Gaelic games and many other sporting and non-sporting entities can operate on an all-island basis and soccer cannot.
Is it something to do with class, GAA apart? Perhaps the treatment dealt out to non-Protestant players in past Northern Ireland teams from the stands of Windsor Park has something to do with it?
I attended the fateful “Night in November” World Cup qualifying game between the two sides and never before or since have I witnessed anything like the sectarian bile thrown at the Ireland supporters and players.
Coming from Derry and having received my football baptism in the Brandywell, I would wholeheartedly support an all-Ireland (all-island) side – particularly if we were to come up against England!
– Yours, etc,
DONAL CARLIN
Ballyconnell,
Co Cavan.