Hurlers should not flick ash

THE Irish Examiner of Monday, Dec 2, had a letter from Dr Fenton Howell of ASH Ireland in which he suggested that a significant increase in the price of tobacco products in the budget could contribute to the saving of the lives of thousands of people.

A few pages later your reporter Brendan O’Brien wrote of Johnny Pilkington’s “Duracell performance” for Birr in the Leinster club hurling final. He goes on to describe how Johnny has a “cigarette pursed between his lips” moments after the final whistle.

I am pretty sure that Brendan O’Brien did not consider the negative impact this type of reporting may have on aspiring young sports people. Perhaps, for his penance, Brendan might talk to Johnny and the very few stars of our games who are unfortunate enough to be addicted to nicotine and get their views on the subject.

Would they prefer not to be smokers? Have they under-achieved because of their addiction? Smoking ruins playing careers. Smoking destroys people’s health. Stop glamorising it!

Tomás Mac Craith,

An Rinn,

Dungarbhán,

Co Phortláirge.