For the people on the European side I think it should be pointed out that the corned beef described above is what we would call salt beef. Corned beef to us is a sort of compressed mince usually served cold and sliced from tins imported in huge numbers from Argentina.

I've always associated the traditional Irish meal with bacon and cabbage. Again, that's not rashers of bacon but lumps of boiled bacon. PJ at the Chevy Chase is threatening to serve some for the musicians at next Friday's session - he already serves some home made soda bread with the sandwiches.