7. Patrick’s particular interest in west Connaught is probably to be explained by his captivity there; but the appeal which this region made to him suggests that it was a specially benighted part (in a Christian’s view), in contrast with other parts of the island where Christianity was known. 8. I cannot ascribe much weight to particular passages in Tírechán which Petrie (_History of Tara Hill_, p. 23) and others have cited as evidence for pre-Patrician Christianity. (1) Tír. 321₂, _et fuit quidam spiritu sancto plenus_, etc.; (2) 329₆, _et in quo loco quidam episcopus venit_, etc. We do not know enough of the circumstances to draw any conclusion; we do not know (assuming the records to be correct) that Patrick’s acquaintance with these men began on these occasions. (3) The _altare mirabile lapideum in monte nepotum Ailello_, 313₅; supposed to be the altar of a pre-Patrician community. To these may be added (4) the _signaculum crucis Christi_, said to have been found by Patrick in a graveyard in Roscommon (325₃), a story told also by Muirchu (294); and (5) the implied existence of pre-Patrician Irish Christians in the expression, _Hiberniae sanctis omnibus praeteritis praesentatis futuris_, 323₂. There is also (6) a passage in the _Additions to Tírechán_, 337, cited by Petrie to prove pre-Patrician bishops (Colman, Bishop of Clonkeen). The story of the cross, common to Tírechán and Muirchu, and evidently a pretty early legend, has, I think, some significance, in so far as it implies that, at the time when it was invented, the existence of Christian crosses and Christian sepultures in Ireland before Patrick’s preaching was taken for granted. 9. If the view put forward below in Excursus 17 as to the Paschal cycles in Ireland is correct, it is further evidence for pre-Patrician Christianity. 10. The prophecy of the Druids, which was probably not _post eventum_ (see above, Chap. iv. _ad fin._), suggests the existence of Christian worship in Ireland. If it stood alone, it would not be of much significance; but it fits in with the other evidence. 11. _King Loigaire and King Dathi_