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7 things that only go together in Ireland

Altogether now: “Ebony and Ivory live together in perfect harmony…”

WE LOVE A good double act in Ireland, don’t we?

Dunphy and Giles, Ted and Dougal and even Jedward. Yep, the best things come in pairs.

But what about two unexpected forces that come together to team up to make something amazing – something greater than the sum of their parts? Today is their day to shine.

1. Sun and an umbrella

After the rain Liamfm . Liamfm .

Four seasons in a day is putting it mildly for Ireland, to be honest. Some other items that only go together in Ireland: suncream and a raincoat, a fleece and shorts, and we wouldn’t be surprised if we wind up seeing woolly scarves donned over togs if the weather gets really unpredictable one day.

2. Cheese and curry

aaaa Macaris Ratoath Macaris Ratoath

Have you ever mentioned the concept of curry cheese chips to anyone outside of Ireland? Their reaction is priceless. Yes, we want melted cheese with our curry sauce. A match made in post-pub heaven.

3. Guinness and blackcurrant

Guinness SomeRandomNerd SomeRandomNerd

Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it, that’s all we’ll say. An acquired taste.

4. Presenters and puppets

UNICEF Ireland Annual Busin Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Zig and Zag, Podge and Rodge – and Dustin The Turkey, of course. We love a good puppet in Ireland, it seems, but only if they’re on telly with a famous presenter in tow. Who’s to say who the real puppet was, Gaybo or Dustin?

5. Politics news and models

SSIA Your Little Black Books Graham Hughes / Photocall Ireland! Graham Hughes / Photocall Ireland! / Photocall Ireland!

Presented without comment, here is a photocall with Georgia Salpa from the 2006 announcement of the SSIA scheme… Please do not adjust your screen settings. This really happened.

6. Crisps and chocolate – in a bar

taaa DailyEdge DailyEdge

Again, it’s an acquired taste. Listen – if other cultures can call olives and caviar acquired tastes, then we can say that cheese and onions crisps mixed into milk chocolate is a delicacy. You can’t take that away from us.

7. Immersions and gags

emmm DailyEdge.ie DailyEdge.ie

For one moment, imagine you have no idea about uniquely Irish jokes. Now imagine trying to explain exactly why the concept of leaving on the immersion has so much comedic potential. Inexplicable, yet makes perfect sense.

What unique Irish pairing have we missed? Let us know in the comments section…

Speaking of great Irish combos, Electric Ireland and SuperValu are uniting to bring real value and rewards to their loyal Irish customers. You can earn one SuperValu Real Rewards Point for every €3 you spend with Electric Ireland. Not only this, but when you receive 250 SuperValu points you get €5 off your bill. You can redeem this twice in a billing period and save up to €60 off your energy bill each year. Click here to find out more.

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    Mute Nigel O Keeffe
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    Apr 21st 2013, 5:35 PM

    try the stress of not having a job..i know which i’d prefer

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    Mute Gerry Ryan deG
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    Apr 21st 2013, 8:37 PM

    Identify the person responsible for the stress and arrange to make them feel your pain. Lol

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    Mute Lieutenant Worf
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    Apr 21st 2013, 8:45 PM

    How understanding are GPs of stress in the workplace. I know someone hesitant to even approach her GP but is stressed to the gills from work.

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    Mute Kim Keoghan
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    Apr 21st 2013, 10:31 PM

    I’ve found my gp very helpful in this regard , very approachable thank god , tell your friend to go for it , any decent gp should recognise the signs of stress

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    Mute John Quinn
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    Apr 21st 2013, 11:22 PM

    So funny reading this. I could almost visualise myself in work and anticipate the reaction of me trying to tell my boss no, I’m too busy! But some really good ideas in here that are simple to try. I’m going to try it out tomorrow. Hope it works! If not, there’s always Xanax! ;)

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    Mute Helplink
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    Apr 21st 2013, 7:53 PM

    Check out Helplink’s low cost stress workshops in Dublin, Limerick and Galway – http://www.helplink.ie/group-workshops

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    Mute gingerman
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    Apr 21st 2013, 6:15 PM

    Get paid for stating the obvious

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    Mute john o'connor
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    Apr 21st 2013, 6:37 PM

    Obvious to you maybe – I liked the piece and believe at least one person who reads it will find it helpful.

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    Mute Damocles
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    Apr 21st 2013, 6:44 PM

    Bite it back and take it out on strangers.

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    Mute Clodagh O'Donovan
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 12:39 AM

    Great article. It’s good to be reminded that we can do something (several things) to help ourselves cope with stressful situations. Thank you for this.

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    Mute Jay Christo
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    Apr 21st 2013, 7:53 PM

    Article could have been written in one word “Diazepam”

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    Mute Gerry McCormack
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    Apr 22nd 2013, 6:43 AM

    I got stressed reading this. How will I find time to meditate? Switch if the phone? Just thinking about what this guy suggests stresses me. I’m off for a walk to clear my mind

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    Mute R Neuville
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    Apr 30th 2013, 12:17 PM

    Great suggestion: Get creative. “Tap into your inner kid”.
    Try software …. you could discover how brilliant and creative you are.

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