NIALL McCANN,
Sir, - What a glorious spectacle in Croke Park last Sunday: two teams of Irish warriors, gladiators, giving their all for their love of the game, their county, their parish, and their city. And how truly liberating it was to see the gracious manner in which the Dublin fans accepted defeat.
In years gone by, as a culchie exiled in Dublin, I was a classic ABD ("anyone but Dublin"). No more. People all over the country have taken to this Dublin team, and applaud the passion, intensity and sheer spectacle that Dublin games bring. Long may they thrive.
Furthermore, with thousands of fans mixed throughout Croke Park, including Hill 16, the lack of violence between Armagh and Dublin supporters was nothing short of glorious. Events such as this prove that despite all our problems, there is still a latent sense and decency and respect in so many Irish people.
The contrast with the recurring freak show that is Roy Keane could not be more stark. The twisted bitterness that prevents Roy from genuinely seeking reconciliation will taint the memory of his career no matter what adulation his playing achievements may bring him. Heaven forbid that the winner-takes-all ruthlessness that Roy Keane glorifies would pervade Gaelic Games and its supporters, for it would surely introduce a bitterness that would eventually manifest itself in violence off the pitch. - Yours, etc.,
NIALL McCANN,
Castlewood Terrace,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6.