First place goes to St. Patrick, who was not born in Ireland, but was instrumental in defining its culture, and second and third to Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins, both shapers of modern Ireland.
The rest, selected from Celtic times up to today, are the source of the many fascinating stories that make up this lively volume.
For those curious about the Irish and scholars researching the mixed nature of Irish life and culture, The Irish 100 will prove invaluable.