flanner: according
wiki is pork much more important than sheep actually (tab ending the article) and with almost prehistoric tradition
adaliabooks: Oh yeah, pork is certainly consumed in much higher quantities (the aforementioned bacon as well as sausages) but I've always thought the meat associated with Ireland was lamb rather than pork/bacon, though it seems both have a significant history and connection.
Funnily enough, I've always thought of us for beef :P. True, we eat massive amounts of rashers, sausages and ham, but our beef is pretty top-notch and it was always a staple in my meals, whether roast, corned or rare steak :D.