AND now for something completely different. Did you know that the market for sports balls in Ireland was worth almost £2.5 million in 1995? And soccer balls account for 20-25 per cent of the market.

Rugby comes over the line at 5-10 per cent of the market. Hurling balls account for approximately five per cent of balls sold. Tennis balls, however, fare better, accounting for 10 per cent of sales.

These little nuggets of information come to you courtesy of the Irish Trade Board, its Northern Ireland counterpart and the International Fund for Ireland. The book is entitled Market Opportunities in Ireland and is a snip at £50.