It might interest Simon to know that Michael Cusack played rugby.He played for the Phoenix club against Trinity college in December,1881,in the first match of the Leinster Challenge Cup.He was also an all round sportsman,played cricket,rowed for Trinity,and was a high-jumper of note.
As one of your earlier contributors mentioned, "The Citizen" was a figment of Joyce's imagination!

Noel, Wexford, Ireland

The best piece I have read on this issue. Mr. Barnes you are to be commended for an excellent article.
David, Toronto, Canada

David, Toronto, Canada

How can one column contain the lines 'Never mind the history. Never mind the hate. Never mind the injustice. Never mind the reprisals. Never mind the atrocities. Never mind the bombings. Let’s all just have a nice game of rugby...' and also 'And the Irish went away with rather more than victory over England; they also had victory over the past and a celebration of Ireland as a prosperous, effective, forward-looking nation. Freed from Britain, now freed from history.' You can't have it both ways.

Philip Green, London,

Great article. Here we go again Colin on the blame/apology discussion. We wouldn't be where we are today without movement from both sides British/Irish. I hope the Irish don't blame me for history - I wasn't there; likewise I don't blame the Irish nation for the death of a friend by the IRA. Such a great occasion, a lesson to many; I imagine it feels great to be Irish and see such a positive thing happen with no violence, hatred or tokenism. Gutted to lose though!

John, Sandwich, UK

I guess you just can't please everyone! I can't believe that there are so many angry comments to this excellent article. Those nit-pickers are missing the spirit of this well-written piece. Well done and thank you, Mr. Barnes.

Michael, Dublin, Ireland

england,england,england ,england,england.That is all we hear.No wonder no one likes england.Their are 6 countries in the championship,let us have parity on reporting.

Eddie Ward, Llandrindod Wells, Wales

Joyce's 'citizen' was a fictitious character, Michael Cusack was a real person. He was a cricket-playing protestant who wanted to bring sport to within reach of the masses who had been excluded from it before. The GAA was founded to preserve Ireland's native sporting traditions that were in danger of becoming extinct at the time. The 'hatred of the British' accusation is one that gets thrown at it by people who don't research their articles hard enough.

Eamonn, San Francisco, CA

i have attended gaelic matches for year and have never heard an anti english statement at a match

the GAA was a product of it's times and moves with the times. to judge it's founders in isolation from the surrounding context is invalid


by the way most of the irish rugby supporters are also proud Gaa supporters

fergus, dublin,

As a fellow journalist (albeit News not Sport) may I simply congratulate Simon Barnes for an absolutely brilliant piece of writing.I think journalism of this quality should be disseminated far and wide -not only to aspirants to the profession but also to hacks like me ,who seek ,mostly with little success,to emulate work of this quality. This article,taking in all the issues and nuances that surrounded Saturday's epic Ireland-England encounter at Croke Park captured in an totally absorbing manner , the sporting,historical and political ramificiations of what was a truly magnificent occasion for all involved,victors,vanquished, the GAA and and the rugby supporters of both countries.
Frank Khan,Assistant News Editor,Irish Independent,Dublin

Frank Khan, Dublin , Ireland

England were outclassed all over the park, about the only bright point was the debutant's try and Joe Worsley's remorseless efforts. Farrell isn't quick enough, he's too much in the Tindall mould, I'd prefer to see Tindall and an out and out speed merchant in the centre, we started brightly against Scotland, lost direction against Italy, and totallt capitulated aginst Ireland, Mr Ashton, please re-think the continued use of Farrell, he's a great Rugby brain, but isn't quick enough around the pitch, I'd rather see Mike Catt in the centre, against France we'll need someone of his experience, in the pack, Richard Hill is back to his best, he certainly was barnstorming aginst Bath this weekend.

Danny Marshall, Bath,

Well done those who feel the need to defend the GAA's sporting heritage. I suspect Simon would be gladder knowing of your feelings. Of course he wants to provoke a reaction - if only everyone jumped in to support sport for sport's sake he would probably have achieved his aim. And of the sport in question? Well done the Irish. The world cup beckons. Sorry Simon.

Pete, London,

In the spirit evidenced during the historic events at Croke Park this past weekend, I suggest that all here accept the author's coments as well-intentioned and politely overlook any comments or misstatements that could be perceived as biased or provocative.

BigJake, New Jersey, USA

A fine column, apart from the incredibly lazy depiction of the GAA. I've been involved in the GAA all my life as a volunteer, and to suggest that me, my friends and everyone I know give up all our spare time because we are motivated by a hatred of the English is ridiculous and highly offensive.
I have many English friends and love English cricket. Yet Mr Barnes has branded me a bigot.
I was disappointed that such a fine writer didn't delve a little deeper. Both nations moved on long ago. It's time we moved on from arrogant and lazy depictions of the GAA as well

Eamonn, Kildare, Ireland

i agree with colins idea that a wreat should be layed at croke park to commerate those 15 poor englishmen slaughtered on saterday

martin lawler, dublin, ireland

To David in Twickenham - " in what way can Simon's conclusions not be sensibly inferred? - Perhaps because the GAA was set up to promote Irish sports, the (now happily) former institutionalised hostitility towards "foreign" games was more of a policy than an ideal . It would be futile to pretend that there hasn't been a great deal of hostility in parts of the GAA towards all things British, but to suggest, as Simon has, that it is all the GAA is about, is not a sensible inference.

Liam, Dublin,

Well, the writer's comments on the GAA are worthy of the worst kind of British bigot. So the GAA are defined by a hatred of the British? Dearie me!

Ignaz, Haverfordwest, UK

Not to labour the point but I think it should be said that the GAA was set up to address a perceived 'watering down' of Irish culture, not as a response to any other forces which may have come to bear on the country. The GAA was and is a promotion of all things Gaelic. Literature, song, dance and of course sport! All organisations are responsive to the political situations in which they exist and evolve, the GAA as an organisations by no means perfect but at its grass roots it has always had a positive ethos not the negative one Simon's ill conceived comments suggest.

Anthony, Edinburgh, UK

It was a pleasure to read this article, as an Irishman. It's great to be able to read such quality journalism written from a sound background of knowledge and respect for people. It's past time to more on, thank you for phrasing it just like I was thinking but could never write so well as you.

John W, Dublin, Ireland.com

I agree with the general spirit of the article, but the comments about the GAA and the comment refering to Croke Park being the site of "Bloody Sunday" does show a complete lack of understanding of what happened.
I do agree that it was a momentous occasion.
Both sets of fans couldn't have behaved any more admirably if they tried. They were all a credit to their nations and the sport that they love!! Fair play to the GAA helping the IRFU out and letting them use their excellent facilities. Fair play to the supporters!!! Fair play to 98% of the media that covered the occasion with such sensitivity. Fair Play to 30 plus men in green and white that put their hearts on their sleeves and their bodies in the mud to put on a show that will stay with me for the rest of my life!!!
Thank You to all who made it possible!!!

Chris, Tyrone / Ealing, Ireland

So Simon, Saturday was "the day that hatred went missing", though it now appears that on Monday it's time to bring it back in your eyes. After reading that piece, I am wondering what your agenda is in writing such an intentionally provocative column. The statement that the "GAA has long been defined not so much by a love of thrilling, violent and exotic sports as by a hatred of the British" is as Jack says, the most ill informed statement made by any commentator on the matter in the last week and is highly inflamatory in nature, so much so that I am really left wondering if it just in total ignorance or whether you are carrying some sort of that personal gripe that you failed to inform your readers of. The ethos of the GAA is the retention of the Irish sports, culture and language. Literally millions of Irishmen and Women attend matches each year, so are we all being complicit in showing "hatred of the British" by attending matches ? I can only assume you are fishing for a reaction.

Ger, áth cliath,

You couldn't leave it alone. I have played GAA games all my life and never thought I was doing it out of hatred of the British. I always thought I was playing games that my family have played as far back as we can trace. It is extraordinary to say what you said and proof of a bigotry so deep-rooted that I suspect that when you thought you were writing a friendly article, you couldn't help write bigotry. Your use of Ulysses to "prove" your point that the GAA are bigots is more of your own racist bigotry. You really went digging to find your proof, didn't you? The GAA excluded British organisations that, under orders, one presumes, came into GAA headquarters and massacred its fans. What do you expect but exclusion? There is a fine GAA pitch in Ruislip in west London, among other places. GAA games are played by thousands of people of British citizenship. What you have said should be retracted immediately. It is nothing but your bigotry. As Colin in Lancaster said, "Shame on you".

James McInerney, Dublin, Ireland.

"Television and playing success has made rugby, traditionally a sport of the Protestant middle classes, one with a universal appeal over here."

This is incorrect. The schools are the bedrock of Irish rugby, and schools rugby in Ireland has historically been dominated by the Holy Ghost and Jesuit orders.

Your statement applies to Northern Ireland rugby only.

Joe, Canary Wharf, UK

Given the raison d'etre of the GAA was to replace sports played to 'English laws', and members were banned from 'foreign and fantastic' sports in what way can Simon's conclusions not be sensibly inferred?

The game was poor, the equivalent of a 5-0 drubbing of a poor side in football. On that we don't agree, but the significance of the day -- specifcally for its passage without any open significance -- can't be understated. It gives a clear sign that those in Irish society still suffering from Boris Johnson's Liverpoolitis are now the fringe, and not the mainstream.

David, Twickenham,

A wonderful occassion, and the emotion during the Irish anthems made me proud to be an Irishman. In relation the the article the GAA is a fine organisation built, not on a hatred of britain, but on a love of all things Irish. The irish people and indeed sport as a whole should feel proud of the GAA, not just this weekend but for its efforts on a daily basis with young irish people. An apology is in order Mr. Barnes

Michael Reilly, Bournemouth,

An excellently written article. The only fault I would have is in the negative protrayal of the GAA. As one who has played Hurling, Gaelic Football and Rugby I can testify to the fact that the GAA is about community and sport. Full stop.

Brendan, Layounne, Western Sahara

Having made the trip to Dublin for this match I was hugely impressed by the professionalism of the GAA in their mangement of the fixture. It surpassed any stadium I have attended in last twenty years. I knew little of the history before but after a super weekend, Simon, why the sideswipe at the GAA? It is as cynical and undeserving as that of Brian Moore in his article in another paper today! Never would have thought of painting you both with the same brush!

Ken Deachant,

Ken Deachant, Glasgow, Scotland

Simon - Brilliant article and I think you summed it up perfectly. Thank god for articulate and informed journalism. As a staunch republican, Hearing 'God Save the Queen' was difficult, however who are we to deny a proud nation its national anthem? For me, the day meant the coming of age of a nation, in true republican tradition of protestant catholic and dissenter [and believe me there were many protestants in that stadium who were there for the first time]. An example of mutual respect between nations and between peoples. I think the occasion showed to the world that we are a confident, forward looking nation that finally is not defined by our relationship with Britain.

Richard, Navan, Ireland

I'm with Jack on this - that sentence leaped out about "the GAA long being defined by a hatred of the British". Em, no. But maybe if you really believe that then the hyperbole you indulge in is justified. In my lifetime the GAA has never been defined in those terms, and I would never have watched Gaelic games if it was.

Respecting another nation's anthem is one of the very things, symbolic things, that define your own soverignty, your own independence. It's a normal dignified national thing, and doesn't need any reactionary hype to the pre-game hype.

Liam, Kansas City, USA

The warm welcome that the Irish crowd gave to the England side and the respect given for God Save The Queen says everything about the generosity of the lovable Irish nation and helps to bury the past horrors.

Simon Wells, Brentwood, England

A wonderful evening of Rugby in a great venue. Unfortunately it seems that whilst extoling the virtues that a love of sport brought to the proceedings on Saturday, Simon Barnes is unable to distance himself from doing what thousands of supporters from both sides managed to achieve - putting away his political commentary (however inaccurate) and casting a ignorant slur on the GAA. We love our countries, we love our sport whether it be rugby, football, hurling or lawn tennis - on Saturday we were treated to a display of pride both national and sporting - let's leave it at that shall we?

Clare, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, England.

Shame on you Simon! That unsubstantiated comment deserves a prompt retraction. The progressive attitude of today's GAA in opening up their stadium merits real praise and deserved much greater reciprocation. A small gesture such as the laying of a wreath (which was ruled out rather churlishly by our Government), never mind an apology (which was dismissed early-on as a non-starter) would have gone a long way to drawing a line in the sand. Overcoming the past is a two-way process and I’m simply embarrassed by the lack of initiative on 'our side'. In the absence of such reciprocation, it was just great to see such a sporting occasion and a peaceful day out enjoyed by young and old. Sadly the only 'wretchedness' on display was produced by the 15 men in white.

Colin, Lancaster,

Excellent article, although the statement that "the GAA has long been defined not so much by a love of thrilling, violent and exotic sports as by a hatred of the British" is perhaps the most ill informed statement I have read on the matter so far this week. No person who really knows the GAA could agree with that. The organisation is about sport and culture not hate.

Jack, Cork, Ireland