Madam, - Last week we experienced "the best of times and the worst of times" for Irish sport.
The week began with the shocking news of the death of a young sportsman, Cormac McAnallen. The tragedy gave sports supporters pause for reflection. When measured against the terrible loss suffered by his family and friends, suddenly sports results seemed trivial and unimportant.
On Saturday, the marvellous victory of the Irish rugby team and, more importantly, the manner of its achievement, demonstrated the capacity of sport to lift the spirit of a nation. When we needed it most, we were reminded again of the life-enhancing power of sport. Suddenly we realised why young people like Cormac McAnallen are willing to give so much of their time and energy to achieve excellence in their various disciplines.
We sports supporters owe a debt of gratitude to all our sportsmen and women, whether professional or amateur, at parish or international level. They enrich our lives. - Yours, etc.,
COLMAN RUSHE, Rock Road, Blackrock, Co Louth.