2014: 'THE DONALD' GEST ANGO GOLF BALL GIFT'. The Herald. 13th May, 2014
A DUBLIN artist has chosen a novel way of welcoming American billionaire Donald Trump to Irish soil - by sending The Donald’ Anglo Irish Bank-branded golf balls.
Mr Trump pledged to invest €45m in the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Ireland, in Co Clare, after touching down yesterday to inspect his new resort.
For artist Frank O’Dea (inset), it was an opportunity to remind one of America’s wealthiest men about the economic crash that brought the country to its knees.
He mailed the tycoon a selection of Anglo Irish Bank branded golf balls containing the tag line “making a balls of this country”.
Speaking to the Herald Mr O'Dea who runs the Balla Bán Art Gallery in Dublin city centre, explained that he understood Mr Trump had nothing to do with Ireland's collapse. “It’s just a little bit of a reminder about what happened to this country, even though it’s nothing to do with himself.
“I presume he has an interest in Ireland and is aware of the economic crash,” he said.
Mr O’Dea said he got the idea when remembering stories about how the former bank had splashed the cash on golf balls and umbrellas.
The artist also wrote an open letter to Mr Trump talking about issues of concern, including a reference to wind farms.
He told Mr Trump the timing of his arrival in Ireland was not great “with the bad weather we are having”.