Even Europol, the European Union's police intelligence agency was coming face to face with Irish "craic" yesterday - along with smoked salmon, whiskey and other famous national delicacies.
In its fortified headquarters in The Hague a party for more than 100 European police specialising in fighting drugs, fraud, racketeering and human trafficking got under way.
The master of ceremonies was Det Chief Supt John McGroarty of the International Liaison Office C branch at Garda Headquarters, who said he was pleased to launch the St Patrick's Day celebrations for the first time, as all the other countries represented in Europol traditionally throw parties on their national feast days.
In Amsterdam the day was marked by the Dutch premiere of the film of Brian Friel's play, Dancing at Lughnasa and a banquet featuring Irish cuisine for 500 Dutch-based corporate business and media friends of Ireland.
The Irish Tourist Board, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, Aer Lingus and Murphys joined together to hold the most lavish ever celebration marking St Patrick's Day to be held in Holland as an end of century party to remember.
