Though this seems hardly the place, I love showing off what I know, so:
In the Middle Ages, Europe basically destroyed all learning that was not Church. After the Crusades, people became ripe for other learning (the Renaissance). But what else was there? All the books had been destroyed!
Meanwhile, in Ireland, St. Patrick had introduced Christianity, had Christianized the island pretty thoroughly, started a church, had clergy, and monasteries. He had to send clergy to Europe for education (before the fall of the Dark Ages, of course). They found ways to buy books and start schools in Ireland.
Back in Ireland, during the Dark Ages, the monks copied the books. Then, after the Dark Ages, it seemed wise to send missionaries back to Europe. There they found an educational vacuum. They brought copies or Europe's books back to Europe, and reintroduced European culture to Europe!
The Irish literally saved European civilization!
QED