Who Was St. Patrick Really?

My kids gave me my much needed morning dressing advice, "wear green today dad." It seems most people at work got similar advice and are wearing green today. So what is it about this guy St. Patrick? Is this special day about wearing green, honoring the Irish and drinking beer? The history has a little deeper roots then green Irish beer. Read this link for a litle more history. BreakPoint | Apostle to the Irish