Blarney Army stumped by choice of venue

It's a far away place of which we know little, but for the next fortnight the former British colony of Guyana is expected to be near the centre of the Irish sporting universe.

The Irish cricket team, which has just qualified for the Super Eights of the World Cup, will play their next three games in the capital Georgetown, including a historic match against England next Friday, assuming that England qualify for the next stage.

Though it is part of the West Indies, Guyana is not, in fact, an island, but the only English- speaking country in South America.

It's also, unfortunately, the only World Cup venue without a developed tourist industry and getting there could turn out to be a logistical nightmare for supporters. Caribbean Collection, based in Cork, the only Irish travel specialists to the region, said they were stumped by the choice of venue.

"We don't know anything about it," said Sue Power. "Guyana is not sold as a tourist destination. It's more the working Caribbean rather than the holiday Caribbean.

"We took 70 people to Jamaica and a couple of our clients have called us and told us they want to stay on because they are having such a great time, but we can't help them. If it was anywhere else, we wouldn't have a problem with it."

Sadlier Travel, which has brought 75 people to the opening rounds, is also avoiding Guyana. "It is too messy to get there," said Alan Benson. "Even the supporters who are already in Jamaica have to take two connecting flights or else travel via Miami, which sounds mad. I don't understand why it was chosen as a venue. It must be to do with Caribbean politics."

Luckily, the Blarney Army, as the Irish fans have become known, will not have to obtain visas to travel to Guyana, though that may be the least of their worries. With a shortage of flights, air fares from Dublin to Georgetown, leaving London Gatwick next Tuesday and returning after the South Africa game, will cost at least €1,800.

With just 800 hotel beds in the capital, it is likely to a tight squeeze for both English and Irish fans following two of the best supported teams in the tournament, although 1,200 local people will also be offering their homes as bed and breakfast accommodation.

With a brand new stadium and an improved infrastructure, the government of Guyana has promised fans a warm welcome.

"Guyana is known as one of the most hospitable places in the entire region," said Michael Brotherson of the Guyana High Commission in London.

"Cricket is our national sport. We are used to getting visitors from all over the world to watch cricket. It is part of our culture."

Although the game against England is the one that could generate the most interest, many of the Blarney Army will wait for the matches in the more established tourist destinations of Barbados and Grenada. For instance,Sadlier Travel is offering a 10-day trip taking in Ireland's matches in Barbados and Granada including flights fromMancherter cruise ship and match tickets for 3,600 euro.The Irish Cricket Union spoke to their employers yesterday and all agreed to release the players for another four weeks.