And they're off as punters gather in Galway

Mícheál Lehane on the real money business as the races begin today. FORGET about falling stocks and spending cuts to beat the band, the real money business begins today when thousands make their way to the Galway races.

This is no time to talk about escalating crime and ledgers that refuse to balance. No, this is a time for party faithful to scrawl on betting slips and pray the Government rides out the storm.

The Celtic Tiger may be hobbling like a nag that’s run it’s last race, but there are plenty of fit and sleek animals down in Galway to keep thoughts of the bad times away for one more week.