Sir, – Mary McAleese is arguably the most respected “elder statesperson” in modern Ireland. She has built this standing on moral authority, intellectual validity – as a canon and civil lawyer – and a lifetime of innovative public service including Uachtarán na hÉireann. Her historical interaction with the Vatican and now with the GAA, highlight a consistent strategy: she engages with traditional, historically patriarchal institutions from within, using their own “say-so” and rules to push for modernisation and equality. Whether dealing with Vatican cardinals or Gaelic games officialdom, her approach relies on accountability, respecting deadlines and a refusal to allow traditional male hierarchies “off the hook”.This is a massively damaging own goal for the GAA and the mask will not be repositioned by its director general, as on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, issuing vague statements about commitment to integration remaining “firm and absolute” but that the association is “just not ready” because of a “too ambitious” deadline. – Yours, etc,MICHAEL GANNON,Kilkenny.Sir, – The absolute irony of the GAA reneging on integration mere days after successfully hosting one of the biggest women’s sporting event in Irish history would make you wonder. Did they get cold feet when they realised after Saturday that properly funded and promoted women’s sport might surpass the men’s game? – Yours, etc,LINDA KELLY, Rathangan. Co Kildare.