In fact, Irish history would be an entirely different read if it weren’t for the influence of a simple vegetable.

Those who appreciate our grounded heritage should visit the Global Potato News - an essential online resource for spud loving enthusiasts with forensic potato reports covering everything from integrated pest management to fungicide timing.

There’s even a Belgian organisation called INTERPOM, conjuring up images of espionage in potato fields the world over, with spud gun wielding spies fighting for ‘tato freedom. Mashed, boiled, chipped or fried, obviously there’s more to the spud than meets the eye.

Maybe we should consider a new national anthem to celebrate this truly versatile veg