Madam, - Roy Keane should be welcomed back to the Ireland team after he makes a full public apology to the Irish fans and his team-mates for his exit from Saipan.
While I have no doubt that Roy was correct in his assessment of team mismanagement he had ample time to walk away before going to the World Cup. He accepted the position of captain and therefore should have completed the task. I go so far as to say that had he stayed we would have reached the final.
He now wishes to rehabilitate himself before retirement but I believe it is a dangerous precedent to allow even the great footballers to come and go as they please. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL GILMARTIN, Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.
Madam, - On Wednesday Kevin Myers described a type of Irish renaissance whereby our country, no longer shackled by "economic dysfunctionalism and religious authoritarianism", has in some respects flourished.
I believe that Roy Keane's return to the Irish football squad is part of that process. Here we have an Irishman who is one of the best players of the world's most popular sport returning to a more professionally organised and managed team.
Surely the natural conclusion of this renaissance is that we win the World Cup in 2006. - Yours, etc.,
FEARGAL O'CONNELL, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Madam, I wish to voice my disgust at Roy Keane's arrogance in making himself once again available for the Irish team - and at those responsible for courting his return.
Even if we fans can, by some metaphorical lobotomy, forget what happened in the Far East in 2002, it is too much to also forget and forgive his media footsie when Brian Kerr first took over the role of Irish manager. This was a particularly shabby charade that asked the fans to turn the other cheek only to be promptly slapped in the face.
Perhaps some great strides in the field of medical research have reversed the "unequivocal medical evidence" which was quoted as his reason for not returning at that time. I think not. No one should have to swallow a lie with a swollen jaw.
The FAI sees this latest chapter as a tribute to its "new professionalism", but it's not very professional to debase ourselves just to massage the ego of a returning sulky bully-boy.
I roundly boo Keane's return and I am not alone. - Yours, etc.,
KATHLEEN BYRNE, Cherryfield, Arklow, Co Wicklow.
Madam, - I see Roy is Keen to play for Ireland; well, I for one do not wish to see him given the opportunity to disgrace the Irish jersey again. I have notified him accordingly at the Manchester United e-mail address. - Yours, etc.,
PHILIP TOBIN, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Madam, - In anticipation of the divisive debate that will no doubt ensue following Roy Keane's decision to return to international soccer, might I endeavour to correct a commonly held misconception? Roy Keane was sent home from Saipan; he did not walk out.
This fact seems to escape a great many people, including almost all who work for the national broadcaster. - Yours, etc.,
RONAN A. QUIRKE, O'Connell Street, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.