Clash Of The Cultures

Jorge Valencia: The Irishmen have ironed their kilts and dusted their 12-foot cross. The Vikings have polished their iron helmets and their 12-foot ship.

Not that anyone's going to dig a spear into anyone's heart, but about 1,000 years ago, the Irish were trying to boot the invading Vikings from the mother island.

The most recent belligerence: last year, when a Viking-clad group won the best Irish-themed float in the McDonald's St. Patrick's Day Parade. They trounced the Irish, who had St. Patrick in tow, in their own party.

They've been readying for the type of competition that gives the victors bragging rights, and sends everyone to the bar for a shot and a beer. Pride is at stake.

Said Frank King, leader of the Irishmen: "We're not going to hide from them."

Said Jeffrey Lee Rigdon, leader of the Vikings: "We were adversarial in the beginning, and we are today."