As yet another side note, the last known person to have played it, in 1760, was the amazing Irish Harpist Arthur O’Neill, who was of Royal O’Neill descent, (he of the “wherever the O’Neill sits is always the head of the table” fame). Argatlámh signified 'Silver Hand,' and his alias Bolg had a son, (mythologically speaking) named "Lámhdearg-Labraid" (Red Hand). in base a salmon naiant ppr.Crest: An arm in armour embowed the hand grasping a sword all ppr.Motto: Lamh dearg Eirin (The Red hand of Erin).. PHELIM BACCACH, a younger brother of Brian Ballach who is No. The High King suggested a horse race across the land. Heraldic Description for the O’Neill (Ireland) Coat of Arms. It can also be noted that the man that is attributed with creating Ireland’s national flag the (Bratach Na hÉireann), Thomas Francis. Now that we have some idea about the Red Hand of O’Neill and its origins, we now need to understand just when the many tribes and clans in Ireland adopted and used symbols or standards. he pushed for commemorations to be carried out at the great Shane O’Neill’s grave once a year. crest. He also had a flag created with the Red Hand of O’Neill that once flew over one of Ireland’s and the O’Neill clan’s greatest patriots. However, as mentioned before, the Harp did have a badge that is no longer attached, and whose location today is unknown. As a continuation of this same theme, in the Ancient Irish book of Armagh, there are two references (one in Latin and the other in Irish) to the hand of God ( it has been cleansed through his right hand). And earth hath no spell that can shatter or sever Therefore, the hand came to signify Christ himself. And then, in God's sunshine, "O'NEILL" they all hail him: Poverty in Ireland. O'Neill Boardshorts and clothing from official US store, featuring the world famous O'Neill Hyperfreak and Superfreak Board Shorts. One of them supposedly cut off his hand and tossed it ashore, that he might be the one to have first claim to the land. The arms of the chiefs of the Scottish Clan MacNeil (of Barra) contain the Red Hand; the clan has traditionally claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages. This image is preserved under the arm and ring on the north side of the tenth-century high cross of Muiredach at Monasterboice, Co. Louth. A larger number of clan members, either allies or cousins who were too distantly related to be members of the derbfine, would not have a direct say in such an election. Accordingly, it is a mistake to state that the Irish coats of arms system follows a feudal/Norman system, where a coat of arms is property passed through direct lineage. Militant loyalists in the future would take their lead from these early post cards, posters, etc, as well as the Ulster Volunteer Force, created by Carson, who used the Red Hand symbol during its birth in 1916. It was not until the Easter rising of 1916, when it was raised above the General Post Office in Dublin, that the Irish tricolor came to be regarded as Ireland, Thomas O ‘Meagher, also a Young Irelander, was reprieved from a death sentence issued under Queen Victoria, but still a convicted revolutionary and therefore was sentenced to a life of hard labor under English Law, a, and descendants of the winners and the defeated, claimed ownership of the Red Hand of O’Neill as theirs. It can also be seen in India via the Congress party of Rajiv Ghandhi. Brian Boru’s Harp is not his, as it dates from long after his life and death by centuries, The word Abu is mentioned in many Irish clan mottos, version would actually be Chun Bua (to victory). Explore the history of the O'Neill name, its family crest, coat of arms, and famous clan members. The harp can presently be seen in Trinity College, Dublin, and is used on the majority of Irish coins today. The hand itself is most likely red to represent the fact that it would have been covered in blood, hence why some depictions of the Red Hand are shown with fresh blood drips. How far these mottos go back in Irish history is unknown. The open right hand or the Dextera Dei or the (Right hand of God) is one of the most ancient symbols in the world, and is seen in many different countries of different religious affiliations around the globe. coat-of-arms is one of the darker and bloodier Irish heraldry stories. Unfortunately for Brian, Brian Boru’s Harp is not his, as it dates from long after his life and death by centuries, and there is no basis for this on any historical level. There was a leader of the entire host and leader of each division of the host under his charge and a standard of each leader from which the divisions of the Army were distinguished from one another by the Seanchaithe or historians who were obliged to be with the nobles whenever they engaged one another in battle. One such symbol or animal which was popular among clans was called an onchu (an unknown but horrifying land and water animal or monster) which in turn would scare all those who viewed it via a standard before any battle. As a side note, the tricolor was presented to him as a gift in 1848 by a small group of French women sympathetic to the Irish cause. In fact there are only three in the world from the Celtic and medieval period, and two are in the national museum of Scotland. It reached the goal ahead of Dermott's horse, winning for Uí Néill/O’ Néill the crown of Ulster. Again theories are plentiful concerning the red hand motif. It is featured on that county’s coat-of-arms and is part of the O’Neill family crest. Origin of family quite grim, 'red hand'. From Antrim's bleak rocks to the woods of Rostrevor - It is now in the, many organizations in the 19th century claimed to own the Red Hand of the O’Neill, etc. Many revisionist historians would, and have tried to, convince others that standards and symbols in Ireland were a Norman heraldic concept. his own hand in order to win his crown from his brother. Irish flags, The coat of arms of the O'Neills of Ulster, the branch that held the title of High Kings of Ireland, were white with a red left hand (latterly, the Red Hand of Ulster), and it is because of this prominence that the red hand (though a right hand is used today, rather than the left used by the high kings) has also become a symbol of Ireland, Ulster, Tyrone and other places associated with the family of O'Neills. For example, the O ‘Donnelly and O’Neill coats of arms are almost identical, but the O’Donnellys were quartermasters to the O’Neill clan, and had fostered Shane O’Neill as a youth, based on the Gaelic traditions of the time. Like Steeds down Glen Swilly, to soft-flowing Bann - Therefore, enjoy displaying your Ó Néill coat of arms wherever you like. The significance of the red hand on the O’Neill family coat of arms is often debated, and there are many interpretations as to what it signifies. By doing so he charged every member a fee of 1000 pounds (for the amelioration of Ulster)  in order to maintain soldiers in the occupied territory of the north of Ireland. The first article was written by the highly respected author Francis Joseph Bigger, a man whose story concerning his love and relationship to the O’Neill Clan is yet to be written, it would be an insult and would take to long to describe such a defining figure in our clan’s history to this small written piece. If they use the left hand, they're sure to be right. 3:05 Patrick John O'Neill (great-grandfather) married Esther O'Brien (great-grandmother)7 children. This would then lead to later versions being created over time. Join the O'Neill DNA project at FamilyTreeDNA.com. In early Christian iconography, God the Father was frequently represented by the open right hand occasionally within a circle or nimbus or a halo with rays of light. About the O'Neil surname Red Hand of Ulster The Red Hand of Ulster (in Irish: Lámh Dhearg Uladh) is a symbol used in heraldry to denote the Irish province of Ulster. a sinister hand … The talk turned to family. The Red Hand of Ulster is derived from the O'Neil family coat of arms. Irish Rose. There is yet another story about the hand belonging to one of two giants engaged in battle, whose hand was cut off in the process and left a red imprint on the rocks around strangford lough. As a thank you, baronets belonging to the crown were allowed to have the coat of arms of the O’Neill clan, which included the great Red Hand. Family Crest. All echo'd your war-shout - `The Red Hand for Ever!'. Comprising all the paternal descendants over a four-generation group with a common great-grandfather, it gradually gave way to a smaller three-generation kinship group, called the ‘gelfine.’ Within a clan, on the death of its chief or king, the surviving members of its derbfine would elect from their number a new chief and/or elect his successor, or Tánaiste (in English, his Tanist). Logic and historical investigation attest that there has to be some common connection between this early Christian symbol and the Ó Néill clan’s red hand motif, as well as having ancient pagan origins, in fact it is probable that it may be an amalgamation of both. 4:20 P.J. O'Neill worked on Dr Mitchell's property, Stanhope. The ancient Arms were: Per fess wavy the chief ar. Click Here: touched_by_the_red_hand_of_oneill.pdf. Bigger. Home of the Angry Mob. Mr Bigger suggested to the Irish Volunteers in 1913 that the words Lámh Dhearg and the Red Hand and the Irish Harp should be included on their flag. Yet another earlier version appeared in the Co. Derry town of Magherafelt in 1841, in a book store of all places, and is the Great Seal of Murtogh Roe, the Red O’Neill, and Lord of Clanaboy, who died in about 1471. and his interpretation of the Trinity harp featured on the obverse of coins became the model for further official interpretations of the harp emblem. Historical records do state that it contained two dogs, or Irish wolf hounds, holding the Red Hand of O’Neill Clan. Proud lords of Tir-Owen! His Brehons around him - the blue heavens o'er him. I personally hope this will come to pass some time in the very near future. The Israelites brought it out of Egypt; therefore it can still be seen on the side of Israeli jeeps in Israel today. The most prominent myth recounts that two Mileasan chiefs wished to settle a land dispute with a boating contest. Promotions, new products and sales. However, it is also the badge of Anglo English baronets, as mentioned previously. O'NEILL: O'neill Origin: Irish Coat of Arms: Silver with two red lions supporting the red 'hand of Ulster' with three red estoiles at the top and a salmon swimming in the water in base. one time no rightful heir. Concerning the most important of all these symbols in Ireland, it’s earliest historically documented appearance is dated to 1364, and is attributed to a seal belonging to Aodh Ramhar Ó Néill, prince of Ulster. O ‘Meagher one of the most prominent promoters of Irish Nationalism of the time, resented to him as a gift in 1848 by a small group of French women sympathetic to the Irish cause. The Irish surname O’Neal, also found in Scotland, is of patronymic origin, a reduced form of Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill ‘descendant (or son) of Niall’, a personal name of Irish origin, thought to mean ‘champion’. From the cave of the hunter on Tir-Connell's hills Irish glassware, and Irish family coat of arms gifts. One such magazine, which was published in 1920, was called the Red Hand Magazine; only four copies were ever printed. About Red Hugh O'Neill, 3rd Earl of Tyrone Hugh O’Neill 2nd earl of Tyrone, byname The Great Earl (born c. 1540—died July 20, 1616, Rome, Papal States [Italy]), Irish rebel who, from 1595 to 1603, led an unsuccessful Roman Catholic uprising against English rule in Ireland. Another version of the Red Hand appears on the flag of Colonal Gordon O’Neill and his regiment that fought at the siege of Derry in1689. The hand is most likely red to represent the According to some versions of The motto "semper patriae servire praesto" is not recorded in Ireland, mat be found in Burke's General Armory. The symbol predates the advent of formal heraldry, which was introduced by the Normans and is recorded on the battle standards of the Uí Neill in the fourth and fifth centuries. Books, historical papers, and magazines began to pop up concerning the O’Neill Clan and the northern Provence of Ulster. From this point forward, Loyalist groups began to use it widely right up until the present day – for example, the Red Hand Commandos, Red Hand Defenders, and the Ulster Defense Association, among others. The revival of Irish Nationalism through organizations like the Irish Gaelic League and other Celtic societies, encouraged a study of Ireland and her illustrious past, and with it came a literary revival. He became a General in the Irish Brigade, during the American Civil War, was imprisoned by President Abram Lincoln after refusing to parade the Irish Brigade and its Fighting 69th Regiment, and its colors in front the Prince of Wales in Washington. Another variation of this story 3:45 'Bounty payment'. It was also a common belief in many countries’ of the time that the hand in general was a sign of kingship based on the king and the “King of Kings concept,” and the reflection of the principle to rule with a just hand. Meet the O'Neills...and their blood red hand. He may have been using an ancient manuscript of the Foras Feasa, which belonged to a close neighbor called Michael Kearney in Co Tipperary, who had translated the original document into English between 1635 and 1668. That bond from their true hearts - The Red Hand for Ever! There are many legends as to how the O Neills acquired their motto. This in turn created confusion concerning which was correct, the right or left hand, when displaying one’s coat of arms. In some versions, a left hand is used, and/or the thumb is opened (such as Tyrone GAA's crest). The image of the crimson hand is known as the Red Hand of Ulster. This is also the ONeill family noted in the . Ireland, That family bore the ‘red hand of Ulster’ for its coat of arms, one of the most ancient symbols . It is also used by many other official and non-official organizations throughout the province of Ulster. The O’Neills who ruled the territory afterward were inaugurated as “Ua Neill Mór”, or “the Great O’Neill.” King Aedh “the Stout” O’Neill (d. 1364) was the first to take the open, red (bloody) right hand and employ it on the family crest. Crest: Description not available. To nourish, cultivate, and preserve our Irish culture. Although there are many theories about its ownership through the centuries, none can be substantiated as to by whom the Harp was actually commissioned, but over many hundreds of years  it passed to Henry McMahon, of Co. Clare, and finally to The Rt. In some versions, a left hand is used, The open right hand or the Dextera Dei or the (Right hand of God) is one of the most ancient symbols in the world, An example of this motif can be seen on one of the arms of the 10th century High Cross of Muiredach at Monasterboice, County Louth, Another example of a Red Hand artifact dates from the 14th century, Butler Yeats actually chaired a committee to advise on the design of the Irish coinage which was to start circulation in December 1928.The English sculptor Percy Metcalfe won the design competition. The association of O’Neill Clans has also been approached to perhaps revitalize this commemoration with the original flag belonging to Mr. Coat of Arms Origin: Antrim, Ireland. There have been many mottos, or war cries, associated with the clan and its many branches, some of which include the text below; all of which are said to have been used going into battle, or have been associated with our clan in general. It is … Find this Pin and more on Heritageby Denise Rainis. Its origins are said to be attributed to the mythical Irish figure Labraid Lámh Dhearg (Labraid of the Red Hand), and appear in other mythical tales passed down over generations in the ancient Irish oral tradition. In simple English this translates to "on a silver or white shield, a red lion attacking, between three red hands severed at the wrist. Later, in the Norman period, many of these Irish symbols would have remained as standards for its ancient clans long before the introduction of heraldic or knightly symbols. He described his vision of the tricolor to a captivated audience at the Music Hall on Lower Abbey Street Dublin sometime in the1800’s via the following words. He gives that part of Ulster to his mutilated mercenary, and O’Neill takes the bloody hand as his crest and symbol. When the estoile has more than six points, the number should be expressed. Coats of arms used by those whose surnames are of Uí Néill tribe descent – Ó Donnghile, O Cathain, Ó Máeilsheáchlainn and Ó Catharnaigh, to name just a few – all feature the Red Hand in some form, recalling their common descent from the Uí Néill tribe. Numerous other families have used the hand to denote their Ulster ancestry. As mentioned above, many organizations in the 19th century claimed to own the Red Hand of the O’Neill Clan. It was not until the Easter rising of 1916, when it was raised above the General Post Office in Dublin, that the Irish tricolor came to be regarded as Ireland’s national flag. The first to use the name was Domhnall Ó Néill, the latter's grandson. was left on the rocks.". William Coyngham of Slane Castle, who presented it to Trinity College in Dublin in 1760. Scottish & Scarves, Sashes The O'Neil family history shows that this branch is descended from Niall Glundubh, also known as "Black Knee", who was the king of Ireland in the first century A.D. O'Neil genealogy indicates that the O'Neil family held the title of Earls of Tyrone. To continue in a historcial context, the ‘ingens manus motif’ of Rome was then taken up by early Christians to signify the power of God “to protect and save, to bless or condemn,” based on early scriptures. The form in common use is an open right (dexter) hand coloured red, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb held parallel to the fingers, and the palm facing forward. A star of six waved points. It is shared by Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Suffice it to say, he pushed for commemorations to be carried out at the great Shane O’Neill’s grave once a year. This means that the right to use the arms is not restricted to a given individual, as in the English feudal system, but is open to all within the extended 'sept' or 'clan' of the Gaelic culture. The Red Hand can be regarded as one of the very few cross-community symbols used in North of Ireland. Thomas O ‘Meagher, also a Young Irelander, was reprieved from a death sentence issued under Queen Victoria, but still a convicted revolutionary and therefore was sentenced to a life of hard labor under English Law, a Van Diemen's Land (Island of Tasmania/Australia) escapee. However, this is not the case. In Luireach Phadraig (St Patrick’s Prayer or St Patrick’s Breast Plate), the right hand of God is called on for protection, meaning the just right hand could be used as a blessing, but the left could be used for destruction. O'Neill emigrated from Ireland in 1843. The contest was initiated by their Viking father, who could not, chose between his two sons. Unfortunately for many members of the Ó Néill clan, Clandeboye). This in turn led to the brigade forever giving their flag the title of the Prince of Wales. Throughout history, many Protestant groups were then opposed to Irish home rule. Crest: An arm embowed in armour holding a sword proper. The O’Neill crest is unusual as it is one of the few family coats of arms to feature water. But some historians have noted that Lámh Dhearg seems pretty recent and may only go back a few hundred years, based on the fact there is nothing mentioned in any of Ireland’s ancient manuscripts concerning these words being associated with the clan. Another example of a Red Hand artifact dates from the 14th century: the so called Brian Boru Harp. So it is easy to concede that the ancient legendry onchu seen on ancient Irish banners may actually have been an otter type creature, but as of yet there was no mention of the great Red Hand of the O’Neill Clan. Unfortunately for many members of the Ó Néill clan, it is less commonly known as the Red Hand of Ó Néill than that of Ulster or Ireland. Hon. the story, the king who cut off his hand belonged to the Uí Néill clan, which Crest - a gold or yellow greyhound walking." Numerous other families have used the hand to denote their Ulster ancestry. Connect with other O'Neill's in the Forum. From the Hills of MacCartan, and waters that ran In early Christian iconography, God the Father was frequently represented by the open right hand, sometimes within a halo or nimbus. During the plantation period of Ulster, King James the 1st created the Order of Baronets. New 360 degree Views of O'Neill related sites. They give him a sword, and he swears to protect them; The first man to touch the shore with his right hand would be the winner and rightful king. From this book, he quotes the following from the Battle of Maigh Rath, one of the most ancient and well documented battles in Irish history which took place in the year 637. The red hand in the O'Neill family crest is explained by several slightly differing legends. P.J. Others carried slogans with the images of Carson, Bonar Law, James Craig and Col. R.H, Militant loyalists in the future would take their lead from these early post cards, posters, etc, as well as the Ulster Volunteer Force, created by Carson, who used the Red Hand symbol during its birth in 1916. The first article was written by the highly respected author Francis Joseph Bigger, a man whose story concerning his love and relationship to the O’Neill Clan is yet to be written, it would be an insult and would take to long to describe such a defining figure in our clan. One such poster featured the red hand with the slogan “Ulster will fight and Ulster will be right”. Record your Genealogy in our Webtrees Project. According to one myth, the Kingdom of Ulster had at one time no rightful heir. As the two came in sight of the ending point, it seemed that Dermott would win, so the Uí Néill tribes Chief cut his hand off and threw it away. David Miller, a sociology professor from Strathclyde University in Scotland, complained to the BBC, saying that "like the swastika, the Red Hand has been misappropriated ... it is the symbol of the unionists.” Michael Copeland, an Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member, described the row as “political correctness gone mad”. One law states that no Chieftain/Chief or King can lead a tribe or Clan, if he or she is impaired in any manner, in particular the loss of a hand. High Chiefs of Lough Neagh! Learn more about the legend of the Red Hand, the O'Neill legacy, and the goals of Red Hand Writing. The surname Oneil was first found in County Tyrone (Irish: Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland, and County Clare where O'Neill was chief of Clan Dalvy and of Tradree, a district in the barony of Inchiquinn. It may have originally symbolized the pre-Christian Celtic Sun-god Nuadu – ‘he who dwells in the clouds'. The Irish Rose, 203 Marie Ave East, W St Paul, MN 55118. On a white background, the bottom half of the crest features a white fish in blue water (the fish being the Irish symbol for royalty), while the top half is a red hand on a white background. By the 19th century, both Protestant and Catholic organizations, and descendants of the winners and the defeated, claimed ownership of the Red Hand of O’Neill as theirs. apparently explains its association with them. The ‘derbfine’ was an Irish agnatic Kingship group, and power structure as defined in the Brehon law tracts of the eighth century. Thinking of my father and three of my brothers who would be at the inauguration, I trotted out one of my favourites: the story of how the Red Hand came to be the family crest for O’Neills around the world. seeing that he was losing the race, he cut off his hand and threw it to the O'Neill En France 2010 : Speaker Biographies, seen at times as a symbol to denote the Irish Province of Ulster. Another theory states it may have been adopted by the Ó Néill clan-Ui Néill Kings of Ailech and Tir Eoghan because of the internal family structures within the clan system of Ireland. The flag is often seen in America during St Patrick’s Day parades with the words ‘Erin go braugh’ attached; this in turn is a phonetic version of "Éirinn go brách," which in Irish and means "Ireland forever.". General Owen Roe should also be remembered for creating another fascinating emblem of Ireland, its first national flag. The Red Hand was then used for publicity purposes via posters, slogans, etc. Early Origins of the Oneil family. The Ulster O' Neills have been one of the most prestigious of Irish families (the red hand of Ulster is taken from their arms) and descend from Niall Glun Dubh 'black knee', High King of Ireland, killed in 919 by the Norsemen. It is from these types of animals that it is believed came the introduction of  lions, leopards, eagles, etc, in coats of arms of the Norman period, leading later to England being represented by the lion, and Scotland the unicorn, etc. O ‘Meagher one of the most prominent promoters of Irish Nationalism of the time, also had a concept to include the O’Neill Red Hand in the center. And Armagh of the Saints to the wild Innismore - Ireland, so shall he be made the king.”, "One potential king so desired the kingship that, upon www.TheIrishRose.com - The Owen Roe’s ship (the Saint Francis) carried a flag when it returned to the Netherlands in 1642; the flag was the Irish harp in a field of green. One had his hand cut off by the other, and a red imprint of the hand Its principal purpose was as an institution of property inheritance, with property redistributed on the death of a member to those remaining members of the derbfine. His true clan behind, and his broad lands before him, However, the majority of legends and myths seem to originate in the seventeenth century, several centuries after the red hand was already borne by the Ó Néill clans. The latter is well-known designation. © 2021 The Irish Rose, All rights reserved. The symbol is rooted in Irish Gaelic culture and is particularly associated with the Ui Neill Tribe/ Ó Néill  Clan in general, or in particular the Ó Néill septs of Ulster(Tyrone/ Clandeboye). If you use the right hand you'll be right, safe and wise, But perhaps, just perhaps, it is time that the great Red Hand of O’Neill was at last claimed by her own, the members of the association of O’Neill clan’s, His Brehons around him - the blue heavens o'er him, To the dells of Glenarm, all gushing with rills - Motto translation: The red hand of Ireland. Heralds of the period then began to get back to basics, and started taking away the bloody drip that had been added for effect by some the Baronets, based on the legends mentioned early. Historians have also noted that the color red in ancient Ireland donated royalty, someone of regal standing or a color belonging to Kings, and royalty alone. They share a common theme that begins with a promise of land to the first man that is able to sail or swim across the sea and touch the shores of Ireland. Yet another example of the Red Hand symbol appears via a signet ring belonging to the great Owen Roe O’Neill, in 1649. And to use the right hand would be wrong. In Keating’s Foras Feasa, or History of Ireland, it mentions the ancient Irish having standards in imitation of the children of Israel. The O'Neill Based on the reworking of emblems that the Ulster flag would bear (or be born) at a later date; the cross which appears on the flag belongs to Walter De Burgh, Earl of Ulster, from the Norman period, and of course the O’Neill Red Hand.

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