Denis O'Brien's media advisor James Morrissey used the sacred forum of the Irish Times letters page (usually populated by letters from Mr. A. Leavy from Sutton who writes in crap, supposedly one-line jokes) to respond to Malachy Clerkin's article published on the 18th of September, 'Is there no end to Denis O'Brien's intervention in Irish sport?'
Denis O'Brien has part-funded the salaries of the past two Irish managers, financially assisted the Irish cricket team following their victory over Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup, and has now chipped in to lure Johnny Sexton back to Ireland.
Clerkin's article contained a subheading which read 'Something doesn't feel right about a billionaire chipping in to bring Johnny Sexton home.' He suggested that 'the disconnect the public feels to the Irish soccer team has surely widened with O'Brien's involvement,
It is difficult to see yourself reflected in a national team that on a certain level is just a billionaire’s plaything.
James Morrissey responded forcefully to Clerkin's article in today's paper.
Clearly Malachy Clerkin doesn’t want Denis O’Brien to support Irish soccer or Irish rugby. Would he have preferred that these sports would be denied any assistance that just might help them progress? It strikes me as a rather unusual stance for a sports journalist.
He indicated that O'Brien only offered assistance to the Irish cricket team when it was sought.
What lies ahead for readers of The Irish Times – Malachy Clerkin rails against corporate branding of sports? Opposing advertising on sports pages? Refuses any element of his salary which might be sourced from commercial activities?
Maybe Malachy is a sports journalist who simply does not like sports.
