Shamrock and the saint

JOE HARVEY (Irish Examiner letters, March 13) states, among other things, that "St Patrick used the shamrock for the glorification of God and Christian ideals".

Shamrock and the saint
Wed, 15 Mar, 2006 - 00:00

To my knowledge, there is no historical evidence that the saint ever used the shamrock for this or indeed for any other purpose.

I do acknowledge that there are many popular legends and myths associated with Patrick, such as banishing snakes and using the shamrock as a teaching aid.

However, to quote these myths as though they are historical facts is a hazardous business and, if anything, damages the reputation of our national patron.

Fr I O'Donovan

Shop St

Drogheda

Co Louth

x

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