After the traditional St. Patrick's week ceremony at the White House is over what do they do with the Irish shamrock?

I've always wondered what happens to the shamrock that the Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) presents to the President of the United States, in the case of 2018 Leo Vardkar and Donald Trump.

According to a report in CNN reports, it goes straight to the crusher.

Read more: History of the White House shamrock St. Patrick's Day ceremony

Uhuh. That little bowl of shamrock, the "enduring symbol" of the relationship between Ireland and the U.S. is destroyed after making the long trip from Ireland.

A collage of St. Patrick's Day moments at the White House.

A collage of St. Patrick's Day moments at the White House.

CNN says White House security protocol dictates that any "food, drink or plant presented to the president be 'handled pursuant to Secret Service policy'."

As CNN points out that's "Secret Service-speak for destroyed."

There's no word as to what the Trumps will do with the crystal bowls.

Ronald Reagan used his for jelly beans while Bill Clinton put them on display in the White House.

Either way, it's great to see the Trumps continue this tradition of Irish access to the U.S.

But any chance ye could spare the shamrock lads?

Beannachtai na Feile Padraig!

Keep up-to-date on all things St. Patrick's Day here

* Originally published in 2010.