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Oh, Ireland...

We might complain, bemoan, and sometimes mock our little country but deep down we know that we're extremely proud of this place we call home. And we do have a lot to be proud of, a wealth of history, amazing art, fantastic athletes and a generous population to boot. To celebrate 'strength' and the launch of innocent's new protein super smoothies, we're focusing on all of the amazing moments when Ireland has shown its strength in the last 7 years. If this doesn't make you feel extremely proud of our little island, then nothing will. Charitable nation Ireland is well-known for it's friendly population but did you know that we are among the top charitable countries in Europe? In 2016, according to The Charities Aid Foundation World Giving Index, Ireland was named the most giving country in the EU after Britain. Not bad for such a small nation. Marriage Equality Without a doubt, one of the best decisions Ireland has made in the last 7 years is the referendum on marriage equality. After years of campaigning and hard work, the vote took place on 22 May 2015 and we made history by becoming the first state to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote. Sticking up for others As a nation, we have done a lot to stick up for people who need our help in the past 7 years. In 2016 'Buddy benches' became popular in lots of Irish schools as a way to make lunchtime more inclusive. Since 2010, the conversation surrounding mental health in Ireland has really gained momentum too, helping more people to talk about their issues. Euros 2016 Listen, we may not have brought home the trophy but the Irish team (and fans) did the whole country proud in France last summer. From serenading French girls to repairing dents in a stranger's car, the 'Boys in Green' certainly didn't let us down. They made the strong choice to shatter assumptions about football supporters and showed the world what a proud and strong nation we really are. Electing Michael D Higgins Not many other countries love their president enough to make a tea cosy in his honour. From his Irish goal celebrations to his refusal to take a pay rise, the man can do no wrong and we're very proud to call him our president since 2011. Ireland wins the 6 Nations Who could forget that night? Ireland won the 2014 Six Nations on 15th March in Brian O’Driscoll’s last international rugby match, against France in Paris. It was such an emotional game and we'd say there weren't too many dry eyes in Stade de France that evening. The Irish population really stepped up and made the strong decision to honour BOD in his final game. Welcoming Barack Obama We've welcomed lots of presidents to our little nation over the last 7 years but no one captured the Irish public's attention more than Barack Obama. In 2011 Barack and Michelle came to Ireland to trace Obama's heritage and the Irish population showed their strength by giving the power couple a proper Irish welcome . The couple addressed a crowd of thousands at College Green, Dublin, where he stated that "My name is Barack Obama, of the Moneygall O'bamas, and I've come home to find the apostrophe we lost somewhere along the way." This article is brought to you by innocent drinks. Strength comes in many forms. Whether it’s putting down that half-eaten chocolate bar or going longer than 48 minutes without checking social media. But what about outer strength? Luckily, innocent's protein super smoothies are a mix of fruits and coconut milk, expertly blended with soya protein, which not only tastes great, it helps keep your bones strong and muscles healthy.