by Florence Boyle

On 17th March, Chicago turns the river green. In Old Kilpatrick (Cille Phàdraig), believed by some to be St Patrick’s birthplace, it’s a day like any other.

Left to the health authorities, St Patrick’s Well, which stands opposite the parish church, would have remained closed. A public campaign in 1932 led by the village postmaster persuaded the authorities otherwise. The hope was that the well and its association with St Patrick would attract tourists and it was timed to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of Patrick’s mission to Ireland.

The story received national coverage and piqued the interest of Monsignor Henry Forbes, then Rector of St Peter’s Seminary, Bearsden. He took up the challenge to pull together and critically examine the story that St Patrick was born in Old Kilpatrick. His article in the seminary magazine, is the principal source for this article.

Florence Boyle is a native of Old Kilpatrick and treasurer of Open House.