A history of Ireland in 100 Paddys: from a WWII spy to a Booker winner and two Late Late Show hosts
Starting with the OG himself, our patron saint, historian Donal Fallon on the Patricks, Patricias, Pádraigs and Pats who have become part of our national story
A history of Ireland in 100 Paddys
100 Paddys throughout Irish history:
Just where Saint Patrick was born is the subject of some debate. Still, our patron saint was a real person, and left behind him an autobiographical sketch of his own life. Beginning, “My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers,” he went on to give us a detailed account of his time here and his journey towards faith in his Confessio. St Patrick’s Day has been a public holiday since Home Rule MP James O’Mara succeeded in introducing the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903 at Westminster. Alas, O’Mara also succeeded in closing public houses on the date.