This is one question that we knew would get a huge reaction and we weren't wrong; what's the ONE moment in your life you were MOST proud to be Irish? We got thousands of really great texts in to 53102 and here is just a sample of the Pride of Ireland:
When I was 9 we lived away for 2 years and one night I heard my parents and a group of other ex-pats singing Irish songs round the fire after the kids went to bed. It made my heart swell. Still does to think of it. Niamh Callery Wexford
When Ireland hosted the Special Olympics World Games. Was so proud watching the opening ceremony? Helen in Kildare
When the queen set foot on Irish soil - showed how far we have come as a country
Italia 90, Irish dancing in fountains, no explanation needed. Maire Shanahan
Ireland beating Romania - go on Packie Bonner! Clare ruddy
Every All-Ireland final, what a unique occasion and all those guys are amateur! So proud to be Irish. Dave in Kildare
Brian O’Driscoll winning us the Grand Slam when the country's morale was at a low. Sinead
Hi Ian, for me it's the Irish anthem. When there's a sporting event, listening to and watching the crowd and singing along myself makes me feel as if I'm part of something much bigger than me. Shannon
Proudest Irish moment was the respectful silence by the Irish fans during the English national anthem before the rugby match in Croke Park. It spoke volumes about us as a nation. Noel, Clontarf
Hearing the respect giving to the anthems in Croke Park the day England came over in 2007. Then the hammering BOD and co gave them! - Kevin
My proudest moment of being Irish was the playing and singing of the national anthem at Giant Stadium New York at our opening game in World Cup USA 94
Proudest moment was when the other countries followed our no smoking. Way to go us. CIARA
When Bob Geldof spoke at Live Aid. John in Waterford
Martina Buckley - Myself and my husband were in New York and he had a Liverpool jersey on him. Suddenly the barman came up and him a drink and said it was from the fella over there - we thought this was weird. Then he came over - he was a huge, huge Liverpool fan so we got talking and had a few drinks. Sean went back to our hotel room put a different top on and brought the Liverpool jersey back to Steve (the American) and he nearly started crying he was so overcome with joy. He said he had always heard of the kindness and generosity of the Irish people but had never experienced it. He said he never ever experienced anything like that from an American and probably never would. Just typical of the Irish people he said, "they'd give ya the shirt off the their back " – and we’re still friends!
It's got to be Riverdance for me! Still makes me so proud. Michela, Tipperary
No 1 Irish moment for me, Jordan Grand Prix, winning in Spa 1998, Amhran na bhFiann - magic. Da Fox
Packie Bonner saving the penalty in World Cup 1990, and David O’Leary scoring to put us through to play Italy
Mary Robinson’s inauguration - I was in happy tears – Mairead
Katie Taylor winning her gold in London, unbelievable emotions!! Owen Clery
Here are the Top 5, as voted for by our listeners!
5. Queen Elizabeth's visit
4. Smoking Ban
3. Riverdance
2. Ireland Grand Slam
1. Katie Taylor Winning Gold
