Golf meetings pay off in all sorts of ways. Ivernia West has announced the appointment of The Honourable J. Trevor Eyton, a Canadian senator, to its board, in a non-executive capacity. The appointment only arose because Mr David Hough, the managing director, Ivernia, which owns the Lisheen lead zinc mine in Co Tipperary, met him in Lahinch when playing golf in October, 1994. The meeting was opportune because both men had a common interest. Ivernia was being sued by Lac Minerals, a Canadian company, over the disposal of Chevron's stake in the Lisheen mine. Mr Eyton was, and is, a director of Barrick Gold which was attempting to acquire Lac Minerals.

Over golf, they discussed Lac Minerals, of course. And when Mr Eyton got back to Canada, he was instrumental in convincing the Canadian company to drop the case. "We remained friends", said Mr Hough.

Ivernia's decision to redomicile to Canada, requires two Canadian directors, so Mr Eyton was invited to join the board. The other director is Mr Alan De'ath.