Today, 17th March is St Patrick’s day, celebrated world wide by all those of Irish descent and of course in Ireland itself.

Patrick was born in the 5th century in what was then Romano Britain but the exact place is not known. At the age of 16 he was captured by Irish ‘pirates’ and enslaved. He worked as a shepherd in Ireland.

Eventually he escaped back to Romano Britain, however, after a vision, he returned to Ireland, this time as a Christian missionary.

17th of March is reputed to be the day of his death which became a Feast Day to celebrate his life and work. He appears in many stories and folk legends in Ireland.

St Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland, the other patron saints being Brigid of Kildare and Columba.