Sports blazers must dust themselves down or risk facing the end game

REPORTS indicate the frailty of male mental health. Stress and depression are leading to more psychiatric hospital admissions. Statistics indicate male suicide is up 40%.

In relation to the economy, if you are not depressed you simply don’t understand the situation. In this context, for many men and adolescent young lads the antidote is sport. Real escapism can be found in devotion to your team. Fanatical supporters have such fervour and loyalty it becomes part of their DNA, with the consequent bragging rights.

Die-hard loyalties to Liverpool and Man Utd are more likely to pass on to the next generation than previous traditional support for Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, even though many have no connection or little awareness of these cities.