Time to invest in Olympic gold
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TWO images persist, as Ireland's Beijing adventure draws to a close: In one scene, a furious president of the Olympic Council of Ireland questions the future of equestrian sport in the Olympics, after the disqualification of a show jumper over a banned substance.
In the other, a mother stands in the back garden of her suburban Dublin house, clutching a mug of tea and trying to close her ears to the din from the TV inside, as her son battles his way to victory in a boxing ring 5,000 miles away.
Denis Lynch has suffered bitter disappointment and humiliation, but surely does not deserve to be cast in the role of villain. Boxer Kenneth Egan has made it to an Olympic final, has secured a silver medal and may win gold. The mantle of hero rests on his shoulders.
Behind all the tears in defeat, the jubilation of victory and the disappointment of poor performance, questions are being raised in Beijing about Ireland's commitment to sport.
This country's very participation in the Olympics has been questioned by critics who point to Britain's action in the wake of a disappointing Atlanta games, which saw investment and lottery funding applied in a focussed and systematic strategy.
Nobody would suggest throwing money around at random, especially in the teeth of an economic downturn.
But if we wish to avoid the same old criticisms four years from now, this is the time to start planning.
As they say in Saipan, if you fail to prepare, you must prepare to fail.
