Football hits the target

AS I grew up, soccer and GAA were played in equal measure within my area.

The English Premier League is the finest league in the world and produces magical football. Not all players dive and cheat to win games, nor do wages have any bearing on my enjoyment of the game.

No doubt players are overpaid but this is a concept I have come to expect.

Admiring the skill and genius of the likes of Lionel Messi overpowers the weight of his wage packet. Some players are still made of the traditional stuff and want to play for a team because of pride, rather than money.

Wayne Rooney’s overhead goal last season is one of those moments that makes your heart stop and begs the question: ‘who cares about his wages?’

The GAA is falling behind and people are speaking with their feet. The Championship is at its final stages and I am yet to see Croke Park full to capacity.

Young people can have heroes from rugby and GAA, but they can also admire the skill and determination of English and international footballers.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly