I understand some of the "pushback" regarding the Irish event and while I"m sure Tom can, and will, speak for himself I have some comments of my own...as you might expect.
I do not speak for APAT (although I am an enthusiastic supporter) but I do have a tiny insight into some of the behind the scenes...kind of like peeking through the keyhole...as such, what I
think I know might be distorted by that limited view.
With all that said...Ireland was a late addition to the schedule and, indeed, it was quite likely for a number of reasons there would, in fact, NOT have been a visit this season and so I was quite surprised (and delighted) when it made it"s appearance.
However, the choice, I believe was between this or nothing.As has been said, the Irish events have, historically, been poorly supported by UK members and, indeed, last year"s event at the Fitz had one of the lowest turnouts ever.
This does not include loyal
local players and I can understand their disappointment but by the same token, from my own observations PLO is HUGE in Ireland, certainly, it"s more popular there than in England, so the logic of a PLO event there makes more sense, to me, than trying the same, for instance, in Coventry especially if one were, for instance, trying to spread the word about APAT in Ireland.
On the cost front I see this again and again, and I do not believe it really stacks up. Newcastle/Manchester/Leeds and Scotland are in the same ballpark (for me) as Ireland. Now, of course, you have to
commit to an Ireland event and plan for at least two nights and so that might be skew some thinking.
Then again, the craic is worth the extra...
My 2 cents.
