Fuelling the fans: Rugby captain in the sin-bin

WITH alcohol abuse causing huge problems for society, I was astounded to hear comments made by a top Irish sportsman in the past week.

At a press conference prior to the All Blacks v Ireland rugby game, Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll pronounced that the late kick-off would be an advantage to the Irish team. The reason for this assertion was mind-boggling, to say the least.

O’Driscoll claimed the Irish supporters would have longer time in the nearby “watering holes” (also known as pubs) to get more drink inside them, thus helping them to be more vocal when match time arrived.

What a hollow and pathetic boast by a man who should be an example to the youth of the country.

Was he suggesting that Irish rugby supporters were so devoid of passion for their team that they needed to get drunk to express their support?

Maybe those supporters should have stayed longer in those “watering holes” as any stranger passing Croke Park after 6pm on Saturday last would never have thought a major sporting event was actually taking place inside.

Matt Aherne

Park Farm

Passage West

Co Cork