IRELAND WILL surely never see a racing car emblazoned with the word Durex - as caused a row in Britain recently. But the name Guinness is firmly linked with events as disparate as the Irish Oaks and Wexford Festival. Carrolls is almost synonymous with the GAA Allstars and the Open Golf chammpionship, and Gallaghers with the Motor Circuit of Ireland. By PAMELA READHEAD

THE TINSEL and glitter of the Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes has tarnished a bit in recent years. By Pamela Readhead

Did the equine VD, which now threatens the bloodstock industry in Ireland and Great Britain, originate in this country? PAMELA READHEAD reports on the history and financial repercussions of the disease that has swept the paddocks.