Monthly Archive for December, 2008

Silence was broken by a dog barking outside the packed stadium

Published on December 18, 2008 in New Zealand, Respectful Crowds, Rugby and sportsmanship. 1 Comment Tags: 2008, All Blacks, Munster.

“This was one of those sporting occasions which transcends a game and makes bolder statements about humanity……………….during one of Donald’s earlier, and also crucial, kicks, the silence was broken only by the barking of a dog from outside the stadium.”

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Not that You Won or lost but How You Played The Game

Published on December 9, 2008 in sportsmanship. 10 Comments Tags: Alumnus Football, Cardinal Newbolt, Grantland Rice, Great Scorer, How you played the game, losing, Only The Brave, poetry, winning.

I found some words beautifully painted in old graphic letters in a frame that my parents kept in their bedroom in Dublin, Ireland:

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Portuguese Players Shake Englishman’s Hand After He Scores

Published on December 4, 2008 in England, Football, Portugal and sportsmanship. 0 Comments Tags: 1966, Alex Stepney, Benefica, Bobby Charlton, Eusebio, George Best, Manchester United, Matt Busby, World Cup.

A BBC Radio interviewer asked the late Cissy Charlton (mother of Bobby and Jack) about the 1966 England v Portugal World Cup semi final (which England won 2-1), she said:

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