A glance at the week that was
The numbers
16Number of Bertie Ahern'sspeaking engagements abroad last year
29Height in inches of world's smallest man, He Pingping, when he died this week, aged 21
98Percentage of Irish chickensthat are contaminated with the campylobacter bug, according to the Food Safety Authority
Paddy's Day
It was a week when the nation once again enjoyed a few hours of family and community time at parades across the country– before either escaping to the pub or escaping home to avoid people who have spent too much time in the pub. Across the world, Irishness was celebrated and marketed heavily. The Sydney Opera House (pictured) and the London Eye were both bathed in green light and the Chicago River was dyed green as usual. In Ireland's cities, meanwhile, once the night ended, the streets had also been painted a traditional, if less savoury, new shade.
We now know
The European Court of Justice has ruled that adult theatreswith "private cubicles" cannot benefit from a lower VAT rate usually reserved for cinemas.
Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicuswill finally receive a church burial – 467 years after his death.
A play, Double Falsehood, has been recognised as having been partly written by William Shakespeare.
"Muslims can walk around in whatever gear they like, so why can't I?"
English Star Warsfan Chris Jarviswho was sent out of a job centre for not taking down his hood – central to his "Jedi" faith
Horse play
The usual Irish invasion of Cheltenham took place. Even if fewer Irish travelled this year, there was some success on the track. Amateur Katie Walsh – daughter of Ted Walsh and sister of Ruby – won two races. On St Patrick’s Day, Irish jockeys won six of the seven races, and three of those winners had been trained by Irish trainers. In Ireland, as much as €100 million will have been gambled during the week – €4 million per race.
