SHAREHOLDERS rarely come away from an annual meeting with anything more than a token of the company's affection and a cup of tea. But one shareholder's suggestion paid dividends at yesterday's Irish Permanent a.g.m. She asked the board why it did not provide shareholders with the chance to sample its corporate entertainment at the home rugby internationals. After all, she pointed out, another company raffles the opportunity to play golf at the K Club.

This comparison with Smurfit obviously hit home. Managing director Roy Douglas offered to set up an annual draw so that a couple of shareholders could come and watch the Irish rugby team with the Permo's name proudly displayed on their jerseys.