It’ll be very confusing for her majesty when she visits Croke Park to be met by 34 jersey-wearing representatives of GAA county teams.
“But one thought there were 32 counties in Eire,” she will, doubtlessly, exclaim to Philip. And she would be right. The other two will be worn by players from London and New York.
A hurley stick will be on hand should Queen Elizabeth wish to take a skelp or two, but it might be unwise, as a soft hat is no substitute for a proper helmet.
It’s amazing the type of information made available before royal visits. For example, we know that our VIP visitor will be wearing a hat at every event she attends. Except at the State banquet, where it would be bad form. Even Jackie Healy-Rae removes his cap on such occasions.
Instead, she’ll be wearing a tiara.
As you do.
Noel White and Philip Grant of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Michael Moran of the Government Information Service will be marshalling the substantial press teams at Dublin Castle Media Centre. The facility is located in the old Print Hall, formerly the home of the Mahon tribunal and all sorts of tall tales.
We are assured that the information imparted within its walls next week will be absolutely true.
More than 1,200 representatives of the media have signed up to cover the royal visit. Journalists from all over the world will be fed and watered by Bord Bia, which will be showcasing the best of Irish food.
And will there be a drink? “There will be a bar – a salad bar,” says a Dublin Castle source. Various tourism companies have laid on walking tours, cycle tours and pub crawls for the visitors.
As for her majesty, she’ll be heading for the Gravity Bar when she visits the Guinness Storehouse, where a pint will be pulled in her honour. If she drinks it, we’ll eat her hat. In fact, we’ll eat every one of her hats.
The British prime minister, David Cameron, will join Mary McAleese and the queen for Wednesday’s State dinner. While he was only expected here on a flying visit, there are indications that he may stay a little longer. The traffic in Dublin will be absolutely chaotic on the night. Not only will major restrictions be in place because of the royal visit, but the State dinner will clash with the Europa Cup final at Lansdowne Road.