Once in the 1990s i was going through Stanstead to Dublin, I was taken aside and asked several questions (over again and ad nauseum)- at that time I was travelling to Ireland 4-5 times a year. As a Uk citizen going to the Republic I was interrogated about where I was going, who i was staying with etc, and upon saying I was visiting my irish girlfriend in Dublin (who incidentally lived in the UK but was holidaying in Dublin) was told 'would n't it be much easier if I had a british girlfriend'!!!!

To all intents and purposes I was on 'their' side - so fu*k knows what it was like coming the other way (Ireland to UK)for non UK citizens and being Irish. 'No dogs, no blacks, no irish!!' So as Christy said whatever happens if 'you are a black, irish wolfhound'!

I trust Christy met their stupidity with coolness and disdain. (and please god do not let it put him off visiting with Planxty in January!!)

Elfcall - who despite the advice of customs/british military intelligence happily married his Irish girlfriend!!