The ironic thing is that the ancient Christian Church , in Ireland, to around the time of Norman invasion ,had clergy who had wives and families [Therefore a family name "MacanT'aggart" (spelling ?) as someone pointed out.] The earliest Christians also allowed a normal relationship between priests and women.
The later pronouncement of the"celibacy"law probably gave rise to various illicit modes of satisfaction.If this rule became one that , in true Irish tradition, was honoured more in the breach than in the observance , one can see the roots of the Irish church's corruption.
I know that this abuse is not exclusive to Irish Clergy but, the missionary zeal of Irish priests (and religious organisations) did help to spread catholicism did it not ?