An Gorta Mór na hÉireann Fo Thong de 2012

It was the Great Irish Thong Underwear Famine of 2012……

Shortage of male thongs sparks panic in Cork

"Just after midday yesterday, only Utopia, an adult shop in the city centre, had supplies left. A shop assistant said: "My phone’s been constantly ringing and I only have two or three pairs of thongs left at this stage. I would order more in, but there wouldn’t be time."

Prior to Utopia stepping in to save the day, organizers had issued a Facebook warning, stating: "Men’s thongs have sold out in Cork. Some people are saying they are wearing jockstraps. You could also wear a woman’s thong (just make sure it’ll hold you in) or you could wear Y-fronts."

However, chief organizer Keira O’Connell, from Cork, insisted the setback would not prevent history being made today, with the Cork Body Painting Group almost certain to smash the existing record of 264 painted bodies. "