Ireland: A Trivial Gallimaufry

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. In terms of size, where does Ireland rank among the islands of Europe? Second Third Fourth Fifth

2. Writing under pen names such as Flann O'Brien and Myles na gCopaleen, Brian O'Nolan is now regarded as one of Ireland's greatest writers of the 20th Century, but what career did he originally follow to support his family? Teacher Civil Servant Mortician Policeman

3. Many people in Ireland will have seen paintings and depictions of William Prince of Orange (also known as King William III) riding a horse at the Battle of The Boyne (July 1690). Given this iconic image, what might be construed as ironic about the way he met his death some 12 years later? He died from complications associated with alcoholism He was accidentally shot while hunting deer. He died from complications after falling from a horse. He drowned in his bathtub

4. Daniel O'Connell was one of Ireland's greatest political leaders of the 19th century. He campaigned for Catholic Emancipation and repeal of the Union between Ireland and Great Britain. On which pre-Euro banknote did his image appear? £50 £20 £10 £5

5. Which of these US presidents did NOT claim Irish ancestry: Ford Kennedy Wilson Grant

6. Where would you find the headquarters of the Irish Greyhound Racing Board? (Bord na g'Con) Lifford, Co Donegal Limerick, Co Limerick Clonmel, Co Tipperary Tralee, Co Kerry

7. According to legend, the Giant's Causeway was built by Finn McCool to walk across the sea to Scotland. Why did he want go there? To court a Scottish giantess To fight a Scottish giant. He didn't like the weather in Ireland To escape from another Irish giant

8. Where would you find Northern Ireland's only working gold mine? Omagh, Co Tyrone Comber, Co Down Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh Ballymena, Co Antrim

9. This Irish dramatist and writer of short stories was born in Co Tyrone in 1929 and is best known for works such as 'Philadelphia, Here I Come!', 'Translations' and 'Dancing at Lughnasa'. Can you name him? Brian O'Nolan Sean O'Casey Brian Friel Oscar Wilde

10. Although he hailed from the US state of Minnesota, how did Milburn Henke earn a particular association with Ireland? Officially he was the first US troop to land in Belfast during WWII He introduced baseball to Ireland He was the first US ambassador to Northern Ireland in 1923 He was the first to photograph a leprechaun