John Riordan: Give me March Madness over fake Irish martial arts

The interminable madness of American's St Patrick’s Day festivities has given way to another festival, basketball’s March Madness.

MARCH MADNESS: March Madness will be a bonanza for the bookies with almost $3 billion expected to be wagered legally over the course of both tournaments. Pic: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

Winter's final day came and went in America this week, perfectly bisecting two pivotal cultural seasons.

The interminable madness of the St Patrick’s Day festivities gave way to basketball’s March Madness, almost as drawn out as that nationwide breakout of Paddywhackery but always ending in April.