The Irish in St. Louis: From Shanty to Lace Curtain | Patrick Murphy, Author Patrick Murphy has worked in radio and television for the past 40 years. After publishing his first book, Candy Men: The Story of Switzer’s Licorice, he adapted it into a special for St. Louis PBS. He’s also a working artist, exhibiting his woodcut prints in several St. Louis galleries. His name leaves little doubt as to his roots, and he thought it was time to write a book about the Irish in St. Louis.