One More Thing:A good indicator of the price inflation that has occurred in the Republic over the past eight years is provided by the price tag for securing naming rights for the new Lansdowne Road stadium, which is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2010.
Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company is believed to want more than €50 million for the 15-year naming rights for the 50,000 all-seater stadium.
Back in 1999, Eircom secured a 10- year deal for the naming rights to the FAI's proposed 45,000 capacity stadium in Saggart, Co Dublin, for €14 million.
The ESB, Esat Digifone (now O2), and a drinks company were reported to have been underbidders on Eircom Park, which never saw the light of day.
The annual cost of the Lansdowne sponsorship would be roughly twice the price achieved by the FAI.
Granted, there's more money sloshing about the economy now, Lansdowne has a sexier location, and the new stadium will feature rugby as well as soccer, but it's still a hefty price tag.
US-based specialist group Wasserman has been chosen to lead the search. Wasserman put together the Emirates sponsorship for Arsenal's new stadium.
The list of potential candidates is not likely to be a long one. Mobile groups Vodafone and O2 are obvious candidates, as are our big banks AIB and Bank of Ireland, or perhaps a leading car marque such as Toyota or Ford.
A leading consumer brand is also possible, although alcoholic drinks companies are not likely to feature.
One of the first games at the new Lansdowne could be a Uefa cup final. The FAI is believed to be putting the final touches to an application to host the 2011 final at Lansdowne.
It is understood that a number of public bodies and companies have been asked to provide guarantees concerning related infrastructure, public transport and other match-day arrangements that could secure the event for Dublin.
This year's Uefa cup final will be held in Manchester, with the 2009 final set for Istanbul.
The competition plays second fiddle to the more lucrative Champions League but, with a large worldwide television audience guaranteed, hosting the final would be a great showcase for the capital and a good money spinner for the FAI and the economy.
It would also be a good marketing opportunity for a stadium sponsor.
