Well, who'd ha thunk it . . . ?

Well, who'd ha' thunk it?

I wonder how many people would have expected scenes like the one above in Cork to have taken place in Ireland during the Queen's recent visit?

I'm delighted that the Queen's visit has passed off not just safely for all concerned but that it also seems have been quite a success. The graciousness of both the Irish President, Mary McAleese and Her Majesty the Queen has been apparent from the first and the warmth between the two women has been there for all to see.

There are numerous articles about the visit online. Here is one from the BBC's Nicholas Witchell in which he gives a good analysis and overview of the visit.

Well done Ireland!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

I always feel a bit of a fraud on St Patrick's Day. I haven't a drop of Irish blood in me, as far as I'm aware but being a Catholic, in this country at least, seems to mean celebrating St Patrick's Day.

I'm very happy to join in the celebrations and am always made to feel very welcome as 'Irish for the day'. So I'll raise a glass to all my Irish friends and wish you all a very Happy St Patrick's Day.

I hope you enjoy this haunting rendition of St Patrick's Breastplate. It was either this or Glorious St Patrick. I couldn' t make up my mind so I hope I've made the right choice!