Friday the 13th saw the presentation in Dublin of the 13th member of the Garda Mounted Unit, writes Sorcha Crowley.
The seven-year-old grey gelding is named Macha after a goddess from Celtic mythology who could put a curse on men - gardaí hope it will put a curse on Dublin's criminals instead.
The Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, was officially presented with the horse by Sen Feargal Quinn on behalf of Superquinn at a ceremony in Ballinteer.
Macha owes his name to Graham Ball (11), from Our Lady's National Boys' School, Ballinteer, who won a naming competition. Macha has been busy since he began patrol four months ago.