Stones Rule U2

I’d like to respond to Karen Simmons who wrote a letter in your April 20-26 issue praising U2. 

Now I have no problem with U2. They are a very good band, notwithstanding some of their pedantic lyrics. But Ms. Simmons also saw fit to trash the Rolling Stones in her letter. And I have a big problem with that. 

The Rolling Stones are the world’s greatest rock and roll band and have been for 35 years, since the implosion of their only real competition, the Beatles. 

The Stones are still the most popular rock act in the world, as they have proven time and time again through their tours, and they have worldwide appeal, drawing sell out crowds all over Asia and South America as well as North America, Europe and Australia. 

Over their remarkable career, Mick, Keith and the boys have produced some of the best known and admired singles and albums in rock, pioneered and perfected the big production rock and roll concert and defined what a rock band is. 

Now, they are showing that rock and roll is not just for the young, paving the way for bands like U2 and Aerosmith to rock as long as they want without suffering the slings and arrows of small minded, age-phobic naysayers. 

Ms. Simmons speaks of relevance, but on their last tour in 2002-2003, which is among their most critically acclaimed, the Stones came up with the concept of playing completely different shows in stadiums, arenas and clubs on the same tour and, in many cases, the same city. 

Only one band would be that creative and only one band could pull that off and, if that isn’t relevant, I don’t know what is. 

So Ms. Simmons, praise U2 if you wish, but give the Stones their due. There is only one world’s greatest rock and roll band and that is the Rolling Stones. Check back with me in 20 years or so and we’ll see if U2 or any other band has a status remotely comparable to that of the Stones at that point of their career. Then we’ll talk. 

Joe Daly. Arlington, Virginia

United Ireland? Not Now

I read with interest the letter last week from Roy McCann about the possibility — or not — of a united Ireland. Quite frankly, I don’t think it will ever happen.

There are so many issues that have to be dealt with in the North that are far more pressing in nature. For instance, human rights issues still have to be dealt with, there’s the issue of all the armed groups in the North, and for God’s sake, there isn’t even a working government in the place.

I am a supporter of Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein. I think he’s done tremendous work in bringing the process this far, but his people are still thought of as second class citizens in many quarters in the North, and that’s a far more pressing problem than any notion of a united Ireland.

And let’s be honest, uniting north and south will send Ian Paisley to an early grave — not that many Irish Voice readers would consider that a bad thing. There is no way in hell that Unionists are prepared to go along with the concept now or in the near/far future.

What’s in it for them? Most Unionists are hard-working, decent people, and they so happen to feel British. There’s nothing wrong with that, and their traditions need to be respected, too.

Let’s get the place up and running as a normal, civilized society before thinking about reunification or anything else. Here’s hoping that Tony Blair will make the peace process a top priority after he’s reelected to office this week.

Jack McCormick. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Support for Hurling

I would like to address an issue from your article in last week’s issue regarding the Gaelic Park crisis. 

I am presently coaching underage hurling in Rockland County’s GAA pitch. We started last September with about 22 eager players wanting to learn the game of hurling. 

We were able to get this endeavor started by a donation of two dozen hurleys from the Castletown Geoghegan (Co. Westmeath) Hurling Club, thanks to Finbar Clarke. We also received a second donation from Paddy Shanahan, a native of Co. Cork, a prominent hurley maker who is anxious to see this project take off.

We are hoping that with further donations from the New York GAA (and with any other welcomed assistance) we can acquire the necessary equipment to continue this sport for the underage groups so that we will be able to continue watching this great game in Gaelic Park in the future. 

We hope that we will get the continued interest from the boys and girls who are vastly improving in such a short time. We practice on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. in the Rockland GAA pitch and newcomers are always welcome.

Chris Dalton. Pearl River, New York

A Special Auction

I attended the Special Olympics in Ireland in 2003, and what a wonderful, unforgettable event it was. 

The Special Olympians totally put to shame our so-called “role model” athletes who care more about injecting their bodies with illegal substances and signing million dollar contracts than any pure love of their sport.

The children who took part in the Irish games were remarkable. They gave every inch of themselves to their chosen sport, and winning or losing didn’t really matter much at the end of the day. They competed and represented their countries with honor, and that’s all that matters.

In the article in last week’s Irish Voice, “Special Olympics Hosts Auction,” the organization in Ireland is offering up several items for interested collectors. I would urge all readers to support this most worthy cause.

Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars to take your kids to a baseball game at Yankee Stadium this year — what with ticket prices, food, parking, etc. — visit the website at www.go2005.ie to make your money count. The athletes would be forever and truly grateful.

Elizabeth Lewis. Huntington, New York

A La Carte Spain

Is there a columnist that’s more irritating than John Spain? And is he a Catholic, or isn’t he?

His “Habemus Problems” column last week about the new Pope Benedict XVI was a load of bunkum. Spain is the one with the problem with the new pontiff, while most of the world wish him well. Those who do not are not true believers.

Everyone has choices to make in life. If you are a Catholic then there are certain things that you are taught to believe in. 

If you stray from these beliefs, then you are no longer a Catholic. Simple as that. What part of those words does Spain not understand?

Catholics don’t get to pick and choose how they would like to practice their religion. I’m sure Mr. Spain doesn’t pick and choose when he goes to work, or what he’d like to do when he gets there. If he did, he would be out of a job. And it certainly seems like he’s a man without religion.

I wish Pope Benedict XVI all the luck in the world as he steers the globe’s Catholics towards living in the eyes of God. 

John McDonald. Boston, Massachusetts

Divorced Catholic

I agree fully with John Spain’s assessment of Pope Benedict XVI. I wish the man well, but the Catholic Church has been out of touch with the lives of ordinary, decent members for decades.

It’s not even the church scandals I’m irritated so much about, heinous though they are. I divorced my abusive husband several years back and I’ve never looked back, thankfully.

Yet the Catholic Church, my church, does not look upon me as a full member. I improved my life dramatically, but that doesn’t seem to matter. I got divorced, and therefore I’m a sinner in their eyes.

I still go to church and practice my beliefs my way, and it works for me.

J. Patterson. Wilmington, Delaware