Sir, – What do Pope Francis (born 1936) and David Moyes (born 1963) have in common? Even though they were born 27 years apart their numerology number is the number 1. 1+9+3+6=19 then 1+9=10 and finally 1+0=1. The similarity does not end there.
Both of their predecessors are permitted to retain a honorary title of the job they gave up, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Manager Emeritus Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United, according to Deloitte, has 75 million fans worldwide and by some estimates up to 330 million fans. The Catholic Church has, according to the CIA Factbook and 2012 Pontifical Yearbook, 1.2 billion fans or followers throughout the world. So both Pope Francis and David Moyes will be in charge of the number one teams in their area of expertise, all because their numerology number is number “1” . . . and so it goes. – Yours, etc,
KEVIN DEVITTE,
Mill Street,
Westport, Co Mayo.
Sir, – A lot has been heard about this apparently significant resignation (Front page, May 9th). I wonder if as much will be said in the Irish media when Brian Cody eventually retires. Don’t get me wrong; I’d be happy if Kilkenny never won another match, but I can’t see our press making as much noise about Brian as we heard about Alex Ferguson and I wonder why. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL A MacNAMARA,
Newgarden,
Castleconnell, Co Limerick.
Sir, – Just as well no one declared world war three this week. Sir Alex would have banished them to Page 12 – at least. – Yours, etc,
JOHN QUINN,
Clarinbridge, Co Galway.
Sir, – There has been some criticism that the incoming manager of Manchester United, David Moyes, has failed to win a trophy in the 11 years he has been with his current club. The unfortunate truth is that Manchester United have been sweeping up so many trophies in recent years that there have been very slim pickings left over for clubs such as Everton. – Yours, etc,
JOHN FAGAN,
Seafield Road,
Killiney, Co Dublin.