| Historic image signals the start
of a new era in the North COULD there ever have been a more
dramatic and momentous image to come out of the North of Ireland?
There for all to see were the once implacable enemies Gerry Adams and
Ian Paisley sitting down to announce they could work together in a devolved
Assembly.
Admittedly, you could hardly call the press conference convivial.
But here was a sight no-one would have envisaged a few years ago especially
as it came following the first ever face-to-face talks between the two
men.
And it signalled the very real determination of the two most powerful
men in Northern Irish politics to resume power sharing on May 8 in the
next stage of the peace process.
Only a fool would ignore the fact that there are bound to be problems
ahead.
But the fact that the pair were prepared to sit down together and begin
to chart a way forward did more than anything to signal a new era for
the North of Ireland.
Shady goings on are just not cricket
IT is deeply ironic that at a time when Ireland is enjoying unparalleled
success in a sport it has hitherto all but ignored the seedy underbelly
of the game is being laid bare for all to see.
Illegal betting, matches thrown, players testing positive for performance-enhancing
drugs and now a coach murdered in his hotel room during the sport’s
biggest event.
Yes, this is cricket today a sport far removed from its traditional
image of English village greens and gentle summer afternoons.
For in the 21st century cricket and especially the World Cup now being
played in the West Indies is about money and very little else.
Which is why when Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was found murdered on a
bathroom floor just 24 hours after his team had to the astonishment of
many observers been beaten by Ireland the organisers decided they would
carry on with the event.
For the fact is there was no choice. Too much money would have been lost
through ripped-up TV contracts, compensation to spectators and loss of
sponsorship revenue.
That is what drives the game nowadays.
Which is why the tournament goes on and why the organisers of the World
Cup have perhaps the most tarnished sporting spectacle since the Munich
Olympics carried on despite the murder of Israeli athletes and officials
by Palestinian gunmen.
Cricket, soccer, hurling, Gaelic football, camogie and all should be about
enjoyment and glory for players and for spectators the delight in watching
someone display moments of brilliance they could never match.
That is sport at its essence.
But cricket has now moved so far away from this concept you wonder if
its credibility can ever be restored. |
