John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Dr. Pearse Lyons spoke about a sponsorship package covering the total cost of the event. The cost of hosting the event was stated to be $25 million, most of which would have been put up by a company sponsor. Efforts were made locally, according to the article, by interested parties who would like to see this huge event fill hotels and guest houses, but nothing happened. Why was this? The Irish Sports Council stated it spent money promoting all this. This event came knocking on Ireland's door and we did not take it.