Ok AH2K3, I can tell that you're not going to roll over in the face of my intellect like all the others, so I will hit you with some more hard home truthes before I get there and move this quarrel from its verbal to a more...shall we say tangible form?!

Anyway, yes, you defeated the French, well, the British did it for you, then they asked you to pay for their soldiers (taxes) and you went to war with them, you beat them...the first counrty in the world to defeat the British Navy. Well done. HOWEVER, you have Commodore John Barry to thank for that, he currently resides six feet under in Pennsylvania, however he, like me, was born in Wexford, IRELAND as was JFK's family. There's a big statue of him (JB) on our Quay front. In case you haven't noticed we too defeated the British although being neighbours of theirs made it a little more difficult. You suffered a potato blight and survived, ok, at that time there were VERY different conditions for the average man here than there. Here they were tenant farmers - there they owned their own land, the common Irish man at that time was on a par with with a slave there.

Education - yes I'm still working. Don't offend my degree by saying I would be chuffed to get one from an Ivy League school, our standard of education is FAR superior than that of the States and its free for anyone who gets a good enough Leaving Certificate.

You fought for Europe in WW1/WW2, you only got involved in WW1 cos your merchant ships kept getting sunk by German U-boats and in WW2 cos you were attacked by the Japs. As for Saddam Huessain, well, I genuinely fear for us all with that one, you guys can't resist in poking that hornets nest - I really do hope that it doesn't get out of control. Those towel heads are crazy enough as it is without some westerners (USA, Britain et al (incl. Ireland)) getting involved too.

My football skills are proven, right up to the highest level here although I never did grace the international stage [Razz] or play for my school. HOWEVER, my coaching credentials are not so dazzling - 1 year coaching youths last year.

You never did say anything about getting a little game going? I'll throw it right open to you - "anyplace, anytime" - I'm serious, I get there March 20th so anytime after that. Oh, I'll be expecting the red carpet and champagne reception, although I'm sure you've already started making arrangements!!!

Sine le meas

Af

PS - Shearer, good boy for changing your location!