Archive article of the week: Paddy's Day special

Well, obviously your supplemental reading this week is tailored for the weekend that's in it: that is, what we've got for you is both (a) St Patrick's Day-flavoured and (b) easily read while navigating the 36-hour-long whitewater rapids-style test of strength and speed which is the annual nationwide drink binge in honour of the snake guy, and/or the hangover that follows. So, firstly to our Archive Article Of The Week. Do you recognise this voice?
"It really annoys me that our bleedin’ patron saint is a bloody Brit. Before he came along we were havin’ the craic, drinkin’, fightin’, killin’, pukin’, inbreedin’ an’ ridin’ animals. Then over he trots with his ‘thou shalt not do this’ or ‘hey, leave that Irish wolfhound alone’. And tellin’ us to adore this Virgin Mary. Before that virgins were burrent as offerings to the Goddess of some fuckin’ ting. He was a typical Brit, makin’ out we’re too thick to understand the blessed trinity until he showed us a bleedin’ shamrock. What are we celebratin’ that for?”
Of course you do. It's Ding Dong Denny O'Reilly, captured in pensive mood last Paddy's day, pondering the Irish question: that is, how did some Welsh no-hoper who couldn't get arrested at home, get to be the Irish patron saint ("He was a bit of an early David Gray," Ding Dong muses). Have a look:

Next: continuing the theme of Impressive Not-Quite-Irish People Who Subsequently Became National Saints, we've a Classic Album Of The Fortnight for you: the Pogues' If I Should Fall From Grace With God. Before Shane MacGowan became a graveyard-toothed Drink Responsibly poster child and a resident DJ at Death Disco (yes, it does sound like we're speaking metaphorically, but we aren't) he was one of the most breathtaking songwriters and performers of his generation. Interesting rumour: If I Should Fall.. is supposedly one of Tom Waits' favourite albums of all time. Read: