Aint No Athair Like the Olathair.
Athair is the modern Irish word for 'Father' and 'Olathair' is an old Irish name that ties directly with one very singular deity. Olathair is best translated as 'great' or 'ample' father and there is only one God of Ireland that fits both of those descriptors very comfortably. He is an Dagda.
When the Tuatha Dé Danann came into Ireland they found it occupied by descendants of a distant ancestor, the Fir Bolg. From the very beginning of these tales of ancient Ireland we see the Dagda's power and influence upon the battle field, from breaking the lines of the foe, to rallying to defend their King Nuada, when he suffered the loss of his arm.
Later we see the Dagda offering service to his people by building the fortress of their new king Bres, and taking for his payment, the mother of all cows.
When tragedy strikes and the Dagda looses his son Cermait, he journeys out of Ireland to find a way to deny death itself and restore his child. Taking up the big club/stave he offers as guarantee his powers over Land, Sea, Sky,the Sun, Moon.
When war again comes to the Tuatha Dé Danann, this time against the Fomorians, the Dagda offers to do all that every other druid, sorcerer, cupbearer and warrior had offered.
Later when he takes the seat as King of Ireland, he looks to ensure that each of his people have lands fitting to them and when his young son Oengus comes seeking aid, the Dagda is there to clear a forest in a single night, and rework rivers upon the land in another single night.
Wherever we find the Dagda in the stories he is always engaged in some act of transformation, altering the land, the people, and even the season about himself.
Truly there is not father like the Great Father.