There’s no place for alcohol at sporting events

I feel it is only right and fitting that the displays of the teams in the two games at Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day are acknowledged.

They were games of whole-hearted effort and it must have been really heart wrenching for the losing teams, their management and supporters to lose out in such tight games. Of course it is of little solace to have been part of such entertaining games but they can look back on the day with the pride that giving your all for the local club can bring.

Maybe I am a lone voice in appreciating their endeavours but I say ‘thank you’ to all concerned. I must also congratulate the GAA for their ban on alcoholic drinks in the stands and indeed their ban on smoking also. While I enjoyed the wholehearted victory by the Welsh rugby team against England on the previous day, it was spoiled by the vulgar display of alcohol in the stands throughout the game. It is sad that sports supporters cannot watch a game without bringing bottles and glasses of beer into the stands on such occasions. It shows scant regard for the feelings of other supporters who are just there to enjoy the game.

There is a time and place for alcoholic drink and it certainly is not on the stands or terraces at sporting occasions.

Tony Fagan

Enniscorthy

Co Wexford