The badge of Ireland, used mainly by international sportsmen and teams, is the Shamrock.

Tradition has it that the patron Saint of Ireland, St Patrick, explained the mystery of the Christian trinity by using the trefoil shamrock to demonstrate it.

The Shamrock is also used in the logos of the Irish Tourist Board and Aer Lingus.

The use of the Shamrock is restricted to use by the Irish State or its licensees by its registration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation as a symbol of Ireland.

If Ireland was to pursue this and file suit against everyone that uses the likeness of the shamrock or charge a fee for its use I would image Ireland would be one of the wealthiest nations in the world!