Madam, - I watched the showdown between Ireland and Switzerland on RTÉ 2. Firstly, I saw a committed and enthusiastic manager and a group of mostly very average players giving their all in an effort to get the win they all so desperately wanted. That they failed was obviously as big a disappointment to them as to the rest of the nation. As a sportsman, however, I congratulate them for doing all that can be asked of any sportsperson - his or her best.
Secondly, I saw an RTE "panel" before, during and after the match. What a contrast to the honest if unavailing efforts of the team. I found myself asking: could there possibly be a more negative, depressing, pessimistic, mean-spirited, self-serving, opinionated quartet commenting on any sport anywhere in the world?
I for one am fed up with their funereal whingeing. Perhaps they, more so than the Irish manager, should be asked to consider their position - or better still have it considered for them. - Yours, etc,
TONY CLANCY, Willow Park Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.