Sir, - In the world of sport and athletics, Irish women are really going places, from the Olympic successes of Michelle Smith to the latest Gladiators victory of Audrey Garland. Half-way round the world, a group of 16 women have been flying the flag for Ireland, virtually unrecognised by the Government of the country which they so proudly represent. These are the ladies of the Irish Women's Cricket Union, who did us proud by reaching the quarterfinal of the World Cup in India against some strenuous worldwide opposition.
Going to India isn't cheap - the air fare alone is £700 - but these resourceful young ladies, after having raised £15,000 themselves, approached the Minister for Sport with a view to receiving a donation to match the sum of their fund-raising activities. The result? A paltry £4,000, which works out at £250 per person.
May I venture to suggest that the IWCU might enjoy more governmental munificence if it were to enrol with the GAA? - Yours, etc.,
Castle Avenue, Dublin 3.