Madam, - As the Ryder Cup is about to roll into town it's worthwhile reflecting on the impact it will really have on business and sporting life in this country.
Amongst the many claims being made for its commercial benefits to the economy, the signs are already there that the greed of the operators in the tourism sector will be exposed for all to see.
The last time this country witnessed a sporting event of this scale was in 1998 when the Tour de France held its opening stage here. At that time a lot of guff was spoken about its positive impact on the economy and the opportunities it would provide to promote the country abroad.
Can any evidence be produced that would back up these and the many claims that were made about its impact on Irish sport?
Did it lead to increased investment in sports facilities and funding of the many voluntary organisations that work all year round to promote sport as a healthy activity and a way of life for our young people?
It is galling to see the millions of euro being spent on an event that is a business in itself in a country that hasn't got basic facilities such as playgrounds for our children, sports halls, playing pitches for our schools and swimming pools for our communities. - Yours, etc,
CATHERINE BOLAND, Greystones, Co Wicklow.