LOVE, LOYALTY, FRIENDSHIP
By Brian Nolan
The tale of the Claddagh ring is one that entails a swashbuckling beau and his Galway love.
The story kicked off in 1675, when a handsome teenager, Richard Joyce, aged only 15, boarded a two-mast sailing ship berthed at Galway harbour, roughly where the Spanish Arch is now.
It was part of the city fortifications that protected merchant ships while they were loading and unloading cargo. Richard was waved off by his teenage crush, a young and beautiful Galway girl. To this day, we are not sure if Richard was leaving the city willingly, or unwillingly.
He may have been a prisoner, collateral damage from the siege of Galway in 1652, captured by the Cromwellian army and destined for life as a servant in Barbados.
Many suffered a similar fate, worked to death on a sugar cane plantation in the tropical heat where typhoid, malaria and sunstroke claimed the lives of 90% of fieldworkers.
Or, as some believe, Richard Joyce was the son of a wealthy Galway merchant, one of the 14 Tribes of Galway, and owner of one of those profitable plantations. He would learn the lucrative rum trade and work for his father. I suppose we will never know.
What we do know is the ship was attacked and captured by Barbary pirates somewhere near the Azores.
The pirates, known as Corsairs, were operating out of Algiers in North Africa, raiding with impunity the rich cargo galleons that were plying the seas between Europe and the Americas.
Richard Joyce found himself sold off as a slave in Algiers to a Turkish goldsmith, who taught him the jewellery trade.
Apparently, he became an eminent craftsman, a master silversmith and either bought his freedom, or escaped, journeying from Morocco, through Spain, where he boarded a ship at Corunna back to Galway.
GALWAY AND THE CLADDAGH RING
And back to his sweetheart - the same girl who had waved goodbye to him at Galway quayand waited faithfully for his return for 16 years.
Richard gave her a ring fashioned for her during his time in captivity. He named it the Claddagh ring after the fishing village that sits opposite the Spanish Arch.
That ring is now known worldwide as a triple-token of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship, as represented by the three symbols, the Heart, the Crown and the Hands.
What is less well known is that the Claddagh ring design is based on a much earlier, and quite popular ‘Fede’ ring.
Dating from Roman times, it depicted two hands clasping a heart, or covering a heart. Richard Joyce added the crown to his design, a symbol of royalty yes, but also a symbol of loyalty.
in Spain on his journey home from Algiers. eventually sailed home from Corunna (A Coruña, port in northern Spain, and at that time, 1691, the capital of the kingdom of Gallica.
Translated Coruña means Crown. Is it possible that Richard Galician crown for his Claddagh ring for his beloved?
Oh before you ask, no, we don’t know her name! For some reason we remember his name, and his story, but not hers! Love may be amazing, but it’s often quite unfair. Keep the Galway Love going –you can buy an authentic Claddagh Ring at any of the many excellent jewellery shops in Galway, such as Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery and Thomas Dillons.
History Scene in Galway
Festival Scene in Galway
Embracing the spirit of the Olympics, Galway City Council is excited to unveil the theme for this year's St Patrick's Weekend Festival: ‘Olympics 2024, Dare to Believe’ inspires the young people of Ireland to believe in themselves and embodies the goals of the Olympic Movement.
Experience the pinnacle of Irish celebration, marked by an unparalleled sense of community and joy
ear's 2024, Dare to inspires to believe goals Olympic Movement. the of Irish marked by an of community and joy
The festival, taking place from 17th19th March, will include a series of events and activities including the St Patricks Day parade and the return of the Festival Village in Eyre Square with three days of live music.
Eyre Fun in Salthill Park Film’ the Head the
The will also be an Olympic Family Fun Day in Salthill Park and Leisureland, a celebration of ‘Galway on Film’ with a showcase of Donal Haughey documentaries and the Tribesmen Head of the River rowing spectacle.
Local businesses and organisations are rallying together, adopting Irish names for the duration of the festival, and engaging in eco-friendly practices, from waste reduction initiatives to promoting local, seasonal produce.
Irish of engaging eco-friendly practices, promoting
Galway with the best and environmental
Galway celebrates with one voice, showcasing the best of Irish hospitality and environmental stewardship
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 16TH MARCH
Tribesmen Head of the River – River Corrib
Eyre Square Festival Village – Family Day
SUNDAY 17TH MARCH
St Patricks Day Parade ‘Olympics 2024 – Dare to Believe’
Starts at 11:30am
Eyre Square Festival Village
MONDAY 18TH MARCH
Eyre Square Festival Village Olympics Family Fun Day
Leisureland & Salthill Park
Galway in Film – Town Hall Theatre ‘A Tribute to Donal Haughey Filmmaker’
THE GREAT COUNTY GALWAY CROSSWORD CHALLENGE #2
Down
1. Surname after which the giant mechanical wheel in Salthill is named. (6)
4. Pub name, Galway City's home to the arts and musical community. (10)
5. In 1927, what disease turned Claddagh into a "health hazard", that led to the downfall of the village? (12)
6. This estate is home to Galway's fastest pastime. (7)
8. Ireland's final Six Nations opponents. (8)
9. What Galway delicacy is slurped? (6)
Across
2. XVAcademy's new international camp location. (9)
3. Which Galway City centre hill is the source of 24 hour chicken fillet rolls? (8)
7. University of Galway opened in 1849, under the name College Galway. (6)
10. Serving the world's best fish and chips since 1902. (9)
11. Who's army laid seige to Galway in 1649? (8)
12. The official name for Eyre Square. Park. (7)
13. Earthquake of 1755 damaged the Spanish Arch. (6)
Puzzle Scene in Galway
