Luke O’Neill: With the number of redheads on the rise, are Irish people simply more evolved?

Crosshaven in Co Cork used to host the annu­al Irish Redhead Conven­tion. Redheads gathered to celebrate their redheadedness. There was a parade that culminated in the crowning of the redhead king and queen. Other events included ­carrot tossing, ginger speed-dating and a freckle-counting contest — freckles being more common in redheads. All good fun.