Sport in society - Divisions undermine prospects

THE central, uplifting and sometimes divisive part sport plays in the Irish psych and life was plain to see on at least three occasions over last weekend.

On Saturday supporters of disgruntled, striking hurlers marched through Cork while, at the same time in what must be a modern irony of sorts, Ireland’s rejuvenated rugby team gave us all something to cheer about when they, with considerable commitment and elan, beat the French in Croke Park.

This victory was a very welcome antidote to the prevailing gloom and one that will allow us to pontificate with undeniable authority for the next few weeks about the prospect of an Irish Six Nations’ grand slam.