Happy St. Patrick's Day
How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe is a non-fiction historical book written by Thomas Cahill.
Cahill argues a case for the Irish people's critical role in preserving Western Civilization from utter destruction by the Huns and the Germanic tribes (Visigoths, Franks, Angles, Saxons, Ostrogoths, etc.). The book presents Western history from the collapse of the Roman Empire and the pivotal role played by members of the clergy at the time. A particular focus is placed upon Saint Patrick.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_the_Irish_Saved_Civilization
AND:
Island of Saints and Scholars
Island of Saints
Ireland has a rich history of Christian missionaries and saints who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the country and beyond its shores. Ireland rose to prominence as a centre of learning and monasticism during the early medieval period, between the 5th and the 9th centuries. There are 150 known Irish saints, and their lives are recorded in significant Irish manuscripts (Ganley, n.d.). Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is perhaps the most famous of these figures. His work establishing monasteries and converting the Irish to Christianity laid the groundwork for Ireland’s reputation as a “Land of Saints”.
Island of Scholars
From the early medieval period onwards, Ireland became known for its vibrant scholarship and learning. Monasteries and other religious institutions served as hubs of learning and scholarship, drawing academics from all over Europe. Irish monks and scholars were renowned for their commitment to learning, and during the Dark Ages when much of Europe saw a decline in education and literacy, they were instrumental in preserving and transmitting classical knowledge and manuscripts. Irish scholars also made significant contributions to various fields, including theology, philosophy, history, poetry, and law. Ireland earned the moniker “Island of Scholars” thanks to its intellectual prowess and scholarly endeavours.
Thus, the combination of these two aspects—holiness associated with saints and intellectual pursuits associated with scholars—led to Ireland being fondly referred to as the “Island of Saints and Scholars.” It reflects the historical significance of Ireland as a place of both religious and academic excellence. This reputation has left a lasting impact on Ireland’s cultural heritage and continues to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
https://www.huntmuseum.com/stories/ireland-and-the-birth-of-europe/island-of-saints-and-scholars/#:~:text=Ireland%20has%20a%20rich%20history,5th%20and%20the%209th%20centuries.
also:
Ireland is the land of Poets & Scholars. This is demonstrated by the 4 Irish winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature – more than any other country. Dublin is thus famous as a city of writers.
and more:
Quick! Without cheating – stay away from the Internet – name the four Irish Nobel Laureates in Literature. Got them yet?
OK, Yeats, the first, is the easiest.
Beckett, the most popular.
Heaney, the last, is often forgotten.
Who’s missing?
Usually, people forget George Bernard Shaw, who some think English, although he was born on Synge Street in Dublin, not far from the Grand Canal.
https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/four-irish-nobel-laureates-literature
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ConfederateSS.out!(The Blue and Silver Rebellion)... 
