![]() 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. In 2005 former Miss Northern Ireland, Zöe Salmon, caused controversy when she chose the Red Hand as a symbol to represent Northern Ireland in a competition for Blue Peter. However, after its use on the Ulster Covenant (1912) and in the arms of the Government of Northern Ireland (from 1922), loyalist groups also began to use it – for example the Red Hand Commandos, Red Hand Defenders and Ulster Defence Association, among others.ĭue to its recent usage by loyalist paramilitaries, those unfamiliar with Irish history have believed it to be a solely loyalist symbol. Due to its roots as a Gaelic Irish symbol, nationalist/republican groups have used (and continue to use) it – for example the republican Irish Citizen Army, the republican National Graves Association, Belfast, the Irish Transport and General Workers Union and numerous GAA clubs in Ulster. The Red Hand can be regarded as one of the very few cross-community symbols used in Northern Ireland. It is also used by many other official and non-official organisations throughout the province of Ulster. The Red Hand was later included in the now abolished Northern Ireland flag and on the shields of counties Cavan, Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim and Monaghan. The head of the Guinness family, the Earl of Iveagh, has three Red Hands on his arms granted as recently as 1891.Īfter Walter de Burgh became Earl of Ulster in 1243 the de Burgh cross was combined with the Red Hand to create the modern Flag of Ulster. Many other families have used the Red Hand to highlight an Ulster ancestry. 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. On the Ó Néill coat of arms featuring the Red Hand, the motto is Lámh Dhearg Éireann (Red Hand of Ireland). The war cry Lámh Dhearg Abú! (Red Hand to victory!) was also associated with the Uí Néill.Ĭoats of arms used by those whose surnames are of Uí Néill descent – Ó Donnghaile, Ó Cathain, Ó Máeilsheáchlainn and Ó Catharnaigh, to name just a few – all feature the Red Hand in some form, recalling their common descent. The Red Hand symbol is believed to have been used by the Uí Néill clan during its Nine Years' War (1594–1603) against the spread of English control.
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