As a transition treat Aisling, Maria, Prue and I headed off to see Riverdance at the Gaiety. The show that has stunned and captivated audiences the world over hit a very special note with me too. Hypnotized by the rhythmic beat of a bodhran that echoed the thunderous roar of a chorus of hard shoe wearing dancers, I was reminded of my Leaving Certificate English Paper 1. A dozen essay titles lay before me; the varied in topic and desired style. I chose "The shoes of Irishness fit me well". Last night made me think in those terms again.

I've spent the last two years exporting Irishness; I was recently told that I branded @IE quite well this year - if that is a general perception then i am proud of that. But more than in AIESEC terms...how good an ambassador am I really for my country? It will once more play a part in my role over the next year. As an Exchange Participant I am supposed to represent my country, but where do I begin?

Being Irish is more than coming from the Republic; indeed it is more than the 32 counties. To be Irish is to belong to a diaspora that numbers many times the population of this little green island on the edge of Europe.

For some the land of saints and scholars, for others the domain of fairies! To know how to represent my culture honestly and authentically I need only look to my childhood. I need only remember feiseanna and Irish dancing, camogie and tin whistle lessons. Learning verses of Seamus Heaney and seanfhocals by heart. I need look no further than the community productions of John B Keane plays. To Irish history lessons and learning songs like Boolavogue.

Mo theanga fein - ag foghlaim Amhran na bhfian agus Stair an tíre, ó Cúchulainn go dtí Mícheál Ó Coileáin agus gach rud idir na bheirt acu.

And when I have finished explaining our past, I can start on the present - the plethora of movies, actors, musicians, contemporary writers, politicians - for a small country we make our presence felt on the world stage...long may that last!