I was reading Peter FitzSimons in the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday and was very disappointed that he hadn’t named Ireland as one of his ‘Teams Of The Week’, seeing as how he’s an ex-Wallaby and would have been delighted that England were beaten. I emailed him the following tongue-in-cheek letter:

TFF, how could you? After all we’ve done for you lately!

You were unconvincing in the early stages of the World Cup. We came along, and after administering a severe wake-up call, graciously stood aside so you wouldn’t have to meet France in the quarter-finals. We rejoiced as you reached the final, admired your gallant efforts against the English and groaned when you failed at the final hurdle.

As if that wasn’t enough, when you were down, and facing 4 years of ignominy, we stepped up to the plate and showed you how it should be done. We battled your oppressors on their home turf, wiped the smile off their faces, humbled them in front of their adoring fans, and brought delight to Australians everywhere.

Was all this deserving of a mention as Team Of The Week? Bloody oath it was! What more do we have to do?

Yours etc.,
Donncha Redmond

Lo and behold, I actually got a reply!

That is a very good point!

And I stand before you with my head bowed in deep regret…

Please forgive me…

Peter TFF Fitz