Sir, - Piaras Mac Domhnaill confuses sport and politics (October 23rd). His suggestion that the Irish rugby team dispense with Ireland's Call is divisive. Does he not realise that we are most fortunate to have in the game of rugby one of the few sports that attempts to unite all of Ireland as one nation? Unionists and nationalists, Protestants and Catholics, are represented on the team.
No distinctions - just sportsmen proud to represent their nation.
The Scots have their hymn, the Welsh theirs and the English, lacking in imagination, stick to God Save the Queen, suggesting that they are playing for the United Kingdom. Do we wish to be branded with their ignorance?
That the politicians of this island have decided to create a phoney partition is ignored so that here, at least, Irishmen wherever born and with whatever political allegiance may come together to enjoy a sporting experience.
To further suggest that the flag under which the players display their sporting prowess should be the national (political) flag of Ireland is also divisive. The flag depicting the four provinces of Ireland, or better still the Cross of St Patrick, seems much more appropriate. Scottish supporters display with pride the Cross of St Andrew or the Rampant Lion, the Welsh brandish the dragon, and some more discerning English the Cross of St George. The Union flag (again that of a political grouping) has no place at these events.
To blame a song or a flag for the current parlous state of Irish international rugby prowess seems fatuous indeed. - Yours, etc., Stuart Murray,
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.