Shamrock was transported more than 3,000 miles to the Kuwait desert today to be presented to troops celebrating St Patrick's Day.
Hundreds of sprigs of shamrock were picked in Cork yesterday, flown to London and then out to the Gulf today, where thousands of British troops are preparing for war with Iraq.
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The complex operation meant a 102-year-old tradition was carried out in the heat of the desert, with the shamrock already starting to wilt as it was carried out in giant metal chill cabinets.
More than 500 Irish Guards are in Kuwait and each was given a sprig to wear in their berets.
Colour Sergeant Tommy Cassidy, from Belfast, said: "It's a big morale boost for the boys because no matter where they are, Arctic, desert or jungle, whoever the visiting dignitary is, they always make a point of presenting it.
"Normally it comes with a few cans of liquid refreshment but obviously not in this instance, but we will play catch-up later when we get back home.
"The boys like it. I think they will have a nibble of it later, and a little drink of water."
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Paul McCarthy (39) of Bootle, Liverpool, said he was the first generation of his family to be born in England, not Ireland.
"That's why I joined the Irish Guards and I'm very proud to wear the shamrock," he said.
"It bonds the whole regiment together, because we do come from far and wide.
"I did receive it in Poland in the middle of winter once. Out here in the desert just adds to its history.
"We should have the luck of the Irish with us."
PA