Sky deal should be applauded

Well done FAI on negotiating an excellent non-pay-per-view deal with Sky. By all accounts, the offer made by RTE for TV rights would not finance a camogie competition, never mind a vibrant, professional international soccer squad.

Of course, the begrudgers, critics and pretend Ireland supporters will be spinning their anti-Ireland/ FAI sleaze once again. These are the same type who laughed at our wonderful Irish team, led by captain fantastic Steve Staunton, before the World Cup.

The pretend Ireland supporters, who support fashionable English clubs, would never lower themselves to promote or support Irish club soccer, be it senior, junior or schoolboy levels. They prefer to shout “come ye boys in red; oh, Beckham is superb”. Please lads, give us a break and stay away from Lansdowne Road.

The real Ireland supporters are those who, week in, week out, promote and support the Longford Towns and the Shelbournes of this world. The people who coach and give their time to junior and schoolboy football, often without proper facilities, can see that the FAI are attempting to bring some badly needed funds, via Sky (not an RTE pittance), into this deserving area of soccer.

Let’s not forget our unsung heroes, Brian Kerr and his dedicated coaching staff, as they proudly and professionally nurture our brilliant underage national teams in European and world competitions. Please RTE, grow up. You’re in with the big boys now.

This isn’t a clay pigeon shoot or a Munster hurling final.

This is the big time and the future of Irish soccer is at stake.

Frank Sheehan,

Church Street,

Askeaton,

Co Limerick.