No to Paddy's Day War: Cheltenham is over by the 25th.

national | miscellaneous | news report Thursday March 13, 2003 02:37 by lug

He gathered the princes of Ireland around him, and they raced in their war chariots to find the usurper who challenged the High King's authority.

In direct breach of the king's orders, Patrick and his supporters built a huge fire on March 25. This was the traditional start of spring, and was celebrated by King Laoghaire, the High King of Tara, with the lighting of a massive fire. No fire was to be lit before the king's.

Seeing flames rise high in the air, King Laoghaire was incensed. He gathered the princes of Ireland around him, and they raced in their war chariots to find the usurper who challenged the High King's authority.

When the groups met, the contrast between them was dramatic. The King and his princes wore bejewelled garments, which illustrated the stark plainness of the vestments worn by Patrick and his followers. Patrick spoke clearly and concisely to King Laoghaire explaining who they were and that they had no intentions other than spreading the Gospel throughout the land.