Her disgust with mixed martial arts — and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in particular — is genuine. Referring to it as a “vile, so-called sport”, Senator Noone fails to grasp the qualities required to excel.

If her objection is to the “ultra-violent” nature of the sport, then she will have to settle her political crosshairs on a number of other sports which are far more popular than MMA.

I have had the good fortune to play with Bruff Rugby Club since I was eight years old and the bad fortune to incur two concussions while playing. If one were to apply Senator Noone’s stance to the oval ball, then perhaps we would have been telling the Brian O’Driscolls of this world to ply their thuggery elsewhere.

Certainly, Conor McGregor — along with some of his UFC colleagues — can verge on the distasteful at times, as he proclaims his unwavering belief that he is the best in the world. However, McGregor is also quick to add that his prowess is down to relentless training, years of combat analysis and a coaching team that push him to the limit.

There are much worse qualities being promoted to children today than self-belief, effort, mental toughness and team work.

John Hogan

Ballyneety

Co Limerick