Madam, – I am appalled at the lack of public disquiet over the sale of the naming rights to Lansdowne Road. Apart from countries where the national team plays at various club grounds, I am unaware of any other country whose national team plays in a stadium named after a company. Certainly, we will be the only country in the Six Nations rugby tournament or our qualifying group in the soccer World Cup whose home stadium naming rights have been sold.
While I understand that sponsorship is essential to funding sport in Ireland, there are certain factors which are integral to the identity of the national team, such as the green jersey, the anthem and the home which should not be compromised.
In the future will we see the all- green jersey cast aside and an Irish team take to the pitch in the blue, yellow and green of Aviva? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Ross Kelly (February 18th) need not worry. With the exception of a few paid commentators and corporate types nobody will ever refer to Lansdowne Road by any other name. This is the case with many renamed stadiums around the world. Sydney Olympic Park is still referred to as Homebush and not ANZ Stadium, and you can be sure those who count still call the Denver stadium Mile High.
Being colloquially renamed “Avers” by a couple of southsiders over a few Heiners is the likely worst outcome for Lansdowne Road. – Yours, etc,