Who was, or is St Patty?????????

OK, St Patty is Irish, I understand that.... But who is he/she is it ok to be gender specific with this old saint or is he/she male to some and female to others???? Did St Patty ever do anything important or just invent green beer?? I'm so confused....will someone please shed some light on this subject lest I turn to the green beer to ease my suffering... And So.....With that off my chest....HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!! .....to all two of you who read this nonsense.
P.S. Lay off the green beer...I heard that green coloring is very unhealthy....may cause cancer,epileptic fits,syphilis.....plus it goes right through you, and who wants to have.............all right thats enough St.Patty just rolled over in his/her grave.......whats that??? St Patty is still alive you say ?????? ummmm.....I gotta run.....later....