Eamonn Coghlan (Independent)

This week was one of highs and lows for Irish sport. The week of highs was referred to by Senator Paschal Mooney when he said that Mr. Trapattoni's contract had been extended for two years and for God only knows how many million euro. It was a week of lows because the president of the Olympic Council of Ireland resigned from the Olympic task force which was asked to identify opportunities for Ireland to bring foreign teams here in preparation for the London Olympic Games which, in turn, would promote Ireland and Irish tourism internationally. Perhaps he resigned because of the lack of facilities in Ireland for these teams or perhaps because he was unable to secure anywhere between €50 million and €300 million to put an Ireland house in London in which Ireland could promote tourism, culture and sport during the Olympic Games.

Since I have become a Senator, I have been lobbied or asked by numerous people in the sports industry to be a voice in the House. This week, in particular, I received numerous emails, letters and requests and I have been on the airwaves speaking about the below the belt bad news that, with 21 hours notice, University College Dublin decided to dig trenches across the athletics facility in Belfield. It was shameful. The facilities in UCD are not just for athletes training for the Olympic Games or national champions. The facilities are for the wider community in south County Dublin to work on their health. I noticed signs there the other day stating the track was closed for health and safety reasons.