When our Irish eyes are smiling ...

AS a proud Irishman (I fervently support the two greatest club sides in the world — Leinster and Munster), I would have to agree with the opinions expressed in the Lonely Planet guide book, regarding Ireland and the Irish.

But, while they hit on our unique ability to take the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune with a grain of salt, they appear to have played down our narcissistic tendency to roll over and have our bellies tickled.

We are a nation addicted to praise, regardless of the source of that praise.