Ireland United

IN view of the obviously weak state of our international soccer teams, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic, would it not be a good idea for them to join forces and field a single side to represent the whole island?

Their rugby counterparts seem to have no ideological difficulties in doing this and they regularly qualify for the rugby world cup and win triple crowns.

Such an Irish soccer team would have stiff competition for selection of players and could be a formidable force in international football.

Or do the Irish, North and South, wish to continue as losers and non-qualifiers for reasons I cannot fathom?

Des MacHale

24 Avonlea Court

Blackrock

Cork