There's a reason why there are so many Kerry jokes

Off to Ireland for a few days tomorrow. In the interim, here is a superb story from over there.

A man recently voted the most romantic in Ireland had been suffering from “severe strain” when he followed young women and committed lewd acts two years ago, the Galway District Court heard this week.

Celebrations were in full swing for Aidan Clifford and his fiancee last month when they won a prize of €46,000 after Ireland’s Wedding Journal voted them the most romantic couple in the country. However the champagne bubbles quickly fizzled out when it was revealed that Clifford had been involved in indecent acts.

The 29-year-old who is a native of 10 Ballyoughtragh Heights, Milltown, Kerry, but who now lives and works in Co Clare, had first appeared before Galway District Court in May 2008 where he pleaded guilty to masturbating in such a way as to offend the modesty of the community at Williamgate Street, Galway, on March 20, 2007, and again at Eyre Street, Galway, on July 26, 2007.

The court had heard at the time that Clifford used to work in Co Clare and would come to Galway on his days off, follow women in his car, and masturbate in view of them. The case was adjourned for a year by Judge Mary Fahy for a Garda Behaviour Report and to ensure that he attends therapy.

Remember: in Ireland a gay is someone who prefers women to drink, so I don't think the competition was especially fierce.

(Hat tip: Locker)