Thinking of plunging back into the stock market? Inspired by that glow of self-confidence which appears to have settled over Asia? Think again. It seems that Youghal should be bracing itself for a tidal wave early in the new millennium. And that the huge dam holding back the might of the River Lee in Cork will collapse. But even more specific: the Irish stock market will crash in March.

The tidings of doom are predicted by fifth generation "white witch" Ms Helen Barrett of Cobh, Co Cork. But aren't jittery markets simple to predict? "Yes, but I'm saying when it will happen here. Who else is doing that?" asks Ms Barrett.

And Ms Barrett's credentials for such predictions? She is said to be one of 3,500 white witches in Ireland and is only outranked in seniority by one other.