Madam, - Gerry Thornley observes (October 2nd) that the problems in Irish rugby are often a consequence of "a decaying club game, and an insufficient conveyor belt of young talent".
One of the main reasons for this is that in many areas of the country the game is still run by an economic elite who have a blinkered and sometimes prejudiced view on how to best promote increased participation levels. This is nowhere more true than in Leinster, especially in the Dublin area where the game remains the preserve of privately run schools and colleges.
When, for example, have you seen the IRFU invest a significant amount of capital in promoting the game in places such as Ballyfermot, Crumlin or Darndale?
Until this issue is seriously addressed the number of talented players coming through on the conveyor belt will be as rarefied as the privileged environment from which it draws its complement. - Yours, etc,
SEÁN and RÓISÍN WHELAN,Ormond Keep, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
Madam, - I was in Bordeaux for the Namibia and Georgia matches and when I came home and watched the replays on TV I noticed that what wasn't shown is, that after both matches, the Namibian and Georgian teams came back on to the pitch, did a lap of honour, to standing ovations from the locals and Irish supporters, and indeed applauded the Irish fans in return.
The Irish never stuck their noses out of the tunnel to thank the 15,000-odd supporters who had travelled and spent serious money to watch them. This was the last straw for many supporters and underlines, for me, the fundamental problem with the team: they have been in a vacuum, out of touch with the real world and real rugby attitudes and manners, and a little above it all. - Yours, etc,
TOM McCORMICK, Killiney Avenue, Co Dublin.
Madam, - I cannot understand why there is so much criticism of our rugby team's performances in the World Cup, and especially of the stewardship of Eddie O'Sullivan. To date, this team has done us all proud and a good team doesn't become a bad one overnight.
Let's put it into perspective. It was always going to be either Ireland or Argentina to qualify for the quarter-finals. It happened to be Argentina because they played better and fully deserved their success.
England qualified, but played one match in which they actually failed to score. Wales, a poor team, didn't qualify either and Scotland had only to beat Italy to get through.
In all likelihood, four southern-hemisphere teams will contest the semi-finals. At that stage it will be plainly obvious that, France apart, the northern teams are just not good enough. - Yours, etc,
FERGUS LEDWITH, Forest Grange, Drogheda, Co Louth.