Sir, - My optimism that the Republic of Ireland's soccer team would reach the World Cup Finals in France was shattered when I heard the king of the TV kiss-of-death merchants, George Hamilton, tell us that in his opinion we were "on our way". That's it, I'm afraid. George is the man who tells us at the start of a game that "this is one we should win easily", and will even have a giggle at the shortcomings of the opposition. Could I be wrong this time? I pray that I am! - Yours, etc.,
Robert O'Sullivan,
Bantry, Co Cork.