Wide awake in 2002 . . .

THE LAST STRAW: If you were, this little quiz should be no problem

1: It emerged in January that the Tánaiste Mary Harney had controversially used what when opening an off-licence in Leitrim? (a) A crow-bar (b) A small quantity of explosives (c) An Air Corps aircraft

2: Liam Lawlor was allowed out of prison for two hours to attend (a) Funderland (b) The opening of a supermarket (c) A Dáil debate

3: An otherwise dull general election campaign was enlivened briefly when party leaders had what thrown at them while touring the country? (a) Spears (b) Baseless but entertaining allegations of a deeply personal nature (c) Cream pies

4: Which three words, complete with punctuation, comprised Fine Gael's election slogan? (a) Vision, with Purpose (b) Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! (c) Goodbye, cruel world

5: On a whirlwind campaign tour of Wexford, the Taoiseach's entourage was accused of failing to observe (a) The speed limit (b) The scenery (c) A lollipop lady near Ferns

6: I have four legs and I am apparently no worse off as a result of the Government's latest budget. What am I? (a) A thoroughbred stallion (b) A married couple on a single income (c) A hospital trolley

7: During their pre-World Cup showdown in Saipan, Roy Keane accused Mick McCarthy of having had a "crap" first what? (a) Marriage (b) Holy Communion (c) Touch

8: Superstar Michael Jackson (left) horrified onlookers in Germany when he dangled what from a hotel balcony?

(a) His nose (b) His original head (c) His son, Prince Michael II

9: Millions wept in Britain and worldwide this year as they mourned which much-loved member of royalty? (a) Prince Michael II (b) The Queen Mother

10: Celebrity chef Conrad Gallagher failed to turn up for a court case to face charges that he had taken what, without authorisation, from a Dublin hotel where he formerly worked? (a) Fond memories (b) A reference (c) A number of paintings

11: There were disagreements in Limerick over how to honour the memory of which colourful local hero, who departed the stage during 2002 after a hell-raising career? (a) Michael Noonan (b) Peter Clohessy (c) Richard Harris (d) All of the above

12: Singer Van Morrison was involved in a court case when neighbours in Dalkey objected to plans for widening his what? (a) Repertoire (b) Circle of friends (c) Driveway

13: In one of the novelty events of the year in Dublin, Anna Kournikova displayed her talents at which activity outside her main area of expertise?

(a) Playing tennis (b) Modelling clothes

14: Conservationist group An Taisce successfully objected to plans by Michael Flatley (left) to add a new set of steps to which time-worn but protected structure? (a) Lord of the Dance (b) The Walls of Limerick (c) His 19th century mansion in Cork

15: There was violence on the streets of Dublin in May when gardaí cracked down on a gathering of what? (a) The McBrearty family (b) Lawyers for the Morris Tribunal (c) Anti-globalisation protesters

16: In the All-Ireland Football Final, Kerry were surprisingly beaten by (a) Members of the Garda Síochana (b) Armagh.

17: As the year ended, the Taoiseach was experiencing rising levels of (a) Popularity (b) Backbench discontent (c) The River Tolka