Why ice would be nice

The only dedicated ice rink in the country closed in 2000, and as far as the government is concerned, Ireland has no ice skaters and needs no rink, writes Catherine O’Mahony

Karen O’Sullivan, president of the ISAI Feargal Ward

So reads the bumper sticker on the car that belongs to Karen O’Sullivan, president of the Ice Skating Association of Ireland (ISAI).

O’Sullivan, with a small team of dedicated advocates, is spearheading the drive to change the perception of ice skating from jolly seasonal entertainment to a proper, recognised sport.

Ireland, she points out, is virtually alone in the developed world in that it lacks a permanent ice rink anywhere on the island ...