United Ireland should face Brazil

Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the historic and memorable friendly soccer game in Dublin, involving an all-Ireland team playing under the name of Shamrock Rovers, and Brazil.

With the proposed visit of Brazil to Croke Park early next year, it would surely be fitting if this all-Ireland soccer experiment were re-enacted.

There are huge potential benefits. The 1973 game involved seven players from the North, including Pat Jennings, David Craig, Allan Hunter, Martin O'Neill, Liam O'Kane, Bryan Hamilton and the late Derek Dougan.

Current Northern players have already expressed their desire to play at Croke Park.

The game could also be a tribute to the late Derek Dougan who was instrumental in organising the 1973 game.

The FAI could divert a proportion of the gate receipts to charities such as the George Best Foundation (George himself was a passionate supporter of the concept of an All Ireland side), and the 1973 team, all of whom are still alive with the exception of Derek Dougan, to the best of my knowledge, could be guests of honour.

Tony Fearon

Poyntzpass

Co Down