Kelly deserves more credit for an unparalleled Irish success

JOURNALISTS searched for superlatives to describe the atmosphere in Croke Park for the international rugby fixtures involving Ireland against France and especially for the game against the Auld Enemy.

Superlatives only go part of the way to describe the scene in Croke Park. To fully appreciate the drama unfolding, one had to be a lucky ticket holder. I was privileged to be among the 82,300 at both games and one of my lasting memories is of the two Ulster men, Rory Best and Isaac Boss, arm in arm in the centre of Croke Park, savouring the victory and enjoying the rapturous applause. It was a poignant moment to witness Ulster men in the green of Ireland standing in the centre of Croke Park. All 32 counties were united in the total demolition of the English team.

Nationalistic feelings reached an intensity never before witnessed in Croke Park during Amhrán na bhFiann. The Irish were indeed proud of their heritage.

Sean Kelly, during his presidency of the GAA, led by example and played an enormous role through emotional debates to remove Rule 42 and allow “foreign” games be played at Croke Park.

The credit to Croke Park for opening its gates to both rugby and soccer is now well documented. I believe Sean Kelly was not afforded the credit he deserves.

I, as one Irishman, wish to express my everlasting gratitude to Sean Kelly for his role in providing the nation with the unparalleled spectacle of Ireland’s greatest triumph over the current world champions in one of the world’s finest sporting stadiums.

Michael O’Connell,

via e-mail.