Week one: The bumper Christmas quiz

1 Name the legendary RTÉ sports presenter who in August 2018 sat out his last Gaelic Football Final in the glass box?

2 What film was shot in Trim Castle, set in Scotland and starred Mel Gibson?

3 Under what name did Irish singer and later politician Rosemary Scallon become famous?

4 In 2018, Mairead Lavery wrote her last column as editor of the Irish Country Living. What month was it published?

5 What is Triticale a hybrid of? A) Wheat and barley; B) Oats and barley; C) Rye and wheat.

6 What day are you most likely to see Wren Boys?

7 Which country’s capital is Ottawa?

8 Lil’ Bill made the Irish Farmers Journal headlines this year as he was born at just 4.5kg in Mississipi in the US. What kind of animal was he? A) Lamb; B) Bonham; C) Calf.

9 Both Kieran Donaghy and Donnacha Ryan retired from which Gaelic football team in 2018?

10 In Fr Ted, what is Mrs Doyle’s first name?

11 Name the adult stage of the leather jacket.

12 Who was Pretty Woman in the 1990 film with Richard Gere?

13 Name the Irish crooner who passed away in November this year?

14 How many characters is one allowed to use in a single tweet?

15 What did the seven dwarves do for a job?

16 With a record-breaking number, how many attended the 2018 All-Ireland Ladies Gaelic football final? A) 38,240; B) 46,286; C) 50,141.

17 At which gap would you find Kate Kearney’s Cottage?

18 Which rule movement was led by Parnell?

19 The Frank and Walters 1992 hit After All was in the top five Irish iTunes chart this year thanks to which TV series?

20 Which political party is older? A) Fianna Gael; B) Fianna Fáil.

21 What major award did the Irish Farmers Journal team take home at the 2018 Newsbrands Ireland Journalism Awards?

22 What was the name of James Bond’s secretary?

23 Who said: “I was elected by the women of Ireland, who instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system”?

24 Which delicacy is loved by pigs who dig for it around tree roots?

25 The beloved Irish sports broadcaster Bill O’Herlihy was best known for which catch phrase?

26 To which county can Barack Obama trace his roots?

27 Which part of the eye gives it its colour?

28 Befana brings presents in which European country?

29 What does a numismatist do?

30 The second day of the National Ploughing Championships 2018 was cancelled due to the unwelcome arrival of which storm?

31 How many All Stars does Galway hurler Joe Canning have?

32 Who did Prince Rainier of Monaco marry?

33 Limerick author Frank McCourt wrote a book about his childhood, which was later made into a film. What was the name of the film?

34 What age is a sheep that has two permanent teeth? A) 1-1.5 years old B) 6-8 months old.

35 How many dots are there on two dice?

36 In 1991 Harry Kehoe and his team at Teagasc Oak Park launched what?

37 If you received all the presents for the 12 days of Christmas, how many presents would you get?

38 What horoscope sign has a crab?

39 Who said: “The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?”

40 Name the Irish Farmers Journal’s recently inaugurated vet?

41 How many counties does Tipperary border?

42 On 17 November Ireland beat New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium to record their first ever home win. Who was named man of this match?

43 Fasciola is the scientific name for what? A) Liver fluke; B) Stomach worms; C) Tuberculosis.

44 What do you call the smell which wine gives off?

45 Whose life story was portrayed in My Left Foot?

46 Who is the Patron Saint of children?

47 Who lived at 221B, Baker Street, London?

48 What were painted green to make the first artificial Christmas trees? A) Sheep wool; B) Goose feathers; C) Fox hair.

49 In Fr Ted, which National Anthem makes Fr Jack stand up?

50 It has been almost 14 years since the Carlow Factory closed. 2018 brought on talks about re-establishing which crop?

51 Who said: “I think, therefore I am”?

52 What’s the hardest rock?

53 True or false? Only one word in English rhymes with the word silver.

54 Name the Clare man associated with Ireland’s most famous matchmaking festival?

1st prize: Luxury break for two at the five-star Castlemartyr hotel in East Cork, worth €1,000

Enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast, a beautiful meal on the evening of your choice and two passes to the Midleton Distillery. This five-star country house hotel, surrounded by 220 acres of mature rolling parkland is the ideal place to get away from it all.

With gorgeous grounds featuring a tranquil swan lake, a challenging inland links golf course, the dramatic ruins of an 800-year-old castle and impeccably restored parterre gardens, Castlemartyr Resort in east Cork is the perfect destination for a relaxing and luxurious spa break.

One lucky reader will enjoy two nights’ lavish accommodation, with breakfast on both mornings. Head chef Kevin Burke will specially prepare a delicious meal for you both on one evening of your choice. As if that isn’t enough, you will also receive two passes to the Midleton Distillery. This is a truly romantic escape waiting for one lucky winner.

Visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie for further details on the five-star resort.

2nd prize: One-night stay for two at Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, worth €500

Muckross Park Hotel & Spa is giving one lucky reader the chance to win an amazing break for two. Cosy up this winter in the heart of Killarney’s National Park. You will enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast and dinner for two in the award-winning Yew Tree Restaurant. A relaxing break in a breathtaking setting, the five-star Muckross Park Hotel & Spa is a landmark destination full of character, luxury and history. T&Cs apply – Subject to availability. Prize is not valid on bank holiday weekends, Easter or August.

Visit www.muckrosspark.com

3rd prize: Two-night B&B for two with dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick, worth €500

One lucky reader will experience a special culture & the city package at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, which includes a two-night stay in an upgraded premium bedroom, dinner on one night, access to leisure facilities, as well as one cultural experience of your choice. Enjoy a break in the comfortable surroundings of the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick, and put exploring at the top of your list. T&Cs: Subject to availability, non-transferable.

Visit www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-limerick.