There are a few people on this thread who seem to be posting because they like reading their own drivel in electronic print. Ubfortunately, they neither have the experience or knowledge to justify or give credence to most of what they have to say.
For information on the relevance of degrees to airline employers, check the Archive sticky on 'Wannabes - Pro Pilot Training'. For information on discriminatory employment practices (such as 'preferring Irish pilots') see any lawyer specialising in EU Employment Law.
Scroggs