They are represented as endeavouring to prevent the progress of St Patrick and St Columba by raising clouds and mist.
It was this Patrick who laid the foundation of the family fortunes.
It is familiar in the titles, showing the colour of their wands of office, of the gentlemen ushers of the three principal British orders of knighthood, the ushers of the Garter and St Patrick being "Ushers of the Black Rod," and of the Thistle "Green Rod."
The story in picturesque fashion makes Patrick challenge the royal authority by lighting the Paschal fire on the hill of Slane on the night of Easter Eve.
At Menlo Park is St Patrick's Theological Seminary (Roman Catholic).