Madam, - I greatly enjoyed the tension, raw emotion and last minute triumph of the Ireland v Argentina game last Saturday. Meanwhile, two groups of friends, one from Dublin and the other from Belfast, travelled to Paris to see France entertain the New Zealand All Blacks at the marvellous Stade de France.
My friend in Belfast faxed me an entry from the match programme, which I hope your readers will enjoy. Against a background of growing professionalism in world sport and the sometime erosion of the Corinthian spirit, it is heartwarming to see such sentiments expressed in a spirit of true friendship, dignified remembrance and generosity:
"Welcome, New Zealanders!
"Dave Gallagher, Captain of the All Blacks, was killed in action fighting for France and New Zealand one tragic day in 1917. He was buried in the northern French town of Quesnoy, where he rests in peace, so far from his homeland.
"We are honoured to welcome our New Zealand friends, who like Dave Gallagher, have come such a long way from home. For all that they represent in our sport, in memory of Dave Gallagher's sacrifice, let us receive them with the dignity that they deserve.
"Let us respect their colours, their hymn, their Haka. In advance, thank you, and enjoy the match! - The French Rugby Union."
All I can add, humbly, is "Vive le sport et vive La France!" - Is mise,
SEAN O NEILL, Jack White's Cross, Co Wicklow.