Praise the IRFU and forget about flags

FERGUS PEARSE (September 15) suggests the Republic’s flag and anthem should be used for the all-Ireland rugby team in the World Cup. That is illogical and insensitive.

The Irish rugby team represents a jurisdiction that does not exist. The team represents an island which has two states, two anthems and two flags.

Ireland’s Call is the rugby team’s anthem and the IRFU flag is an inclusive one.

If people like Mr Pearse want to hear the Republic’s anthem and wave the Republic’s flag, then perhaps they should tell the players from Northern Ireland that they should have their own team.

Rugby, unlike soccer and GAA, has managed to survive political wrangling over the years and it will continue to do so despite what republican agitators would like to stir up.

It is unfortunate that we neglect to praise the IRFU, one of the truly successful cross-border institutions, and simply argue over a flag and anthem.

Colm J Lauder

Rockville House

Victoria Road

Clontarf

Dublin 3