St Patrick's Day

Someone once told me that there were two types of people in the world. The Irish and those who wish they were Irish. Well yesterday the whole world turned Irish as we all gave thanks to St Patrick for getting rid of Ireland's terrible snake epidemic.

Faking Irishness is relatively easy. All you need to do is:

1. Wear something green

2. Hold a pint of Guinness

3. Jig around a bit with your arm around someone

4. Periodically slag off the English

For that extra touch of authenticity, learn a couple of Pogues songs. Don't for God's sake say 'to be sure, to be sure' and attempt an Irish accent. In fact, having a genuine Irish accent is an optional extra.

Yesterday was an extraordinary day for Irish sports fans. In fact, it will become an historic day that will be talked about (ad nauseam) for years to come. It was the day Ireland become worldbeaters at cricket.

After suffering the disappointment of a record points victory against those brave Italians at rugby - very Irish - they only go and 'trash' the ex-world champions at the Cricket World Cup.

We were in an Irish gastropub in Marylebone getting periodic updates on Michael's blackberry when it became clear Ireland were going to beat Pakistan. Most people at our table didn't understand the rules of cricket, but they soon got the gist. As the Irish won, everyone cheered. A new national sport was born. Amazing.

And as our friend Neil kept saying: ' do you realise that Pakistan has a population of 165 803 560?' Look out for white sunburnt bodies in the crowds over the next few weeks.

Do Ryanair fly to the Caribbean? If they don't, I'm sure they'll be looking into it on Monday.