Reading books on Early Ireland, I see the roots in Spain, Scotia and Melitus, Scandinavia, The Firbolgs and the perhaps mythical DeDanaan, showing that the Catholic Church in ireland was comparatively recent history.

Religion has co-opted many a national identity, a way of proselytizing by a "syncretism"
over early pagan gods and goddesses.

I think there has always been a Pagan strain in Irish culture that pre-dates Saint Pat,
and that is now becoming more acknowledged. Maybe we're seeing the revolutionary rise of the Spalpeen who is taking his rightful role in the "Tradition".

The blanket of Magisterium can only go so far in smothering the culture without a reaction
by the victims.