SiG-Mar-2024

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.

History Scene in Galway

GALWAY AND THE CLADDAGH RING And back to his sweetheart - the same girl who had waved goodbye to him at Galway quay and 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.

Richard likely spent some time in Spain on his journey home from Algiers. It’s thought he eventually sailed home from Corunna (A Coruña, or La Coruña), a large port in northern Spain, and at that time, 1691, the capital of the kingdom of Gallica.

Translated from Galician, Coruña means Crown. Is it possible that Richard Joyce borrowed the 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.

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galwaywalks

www.galwaywalks.com

Re-Opening Friday 15th March St Patrick’s Weekend

Open Everyday Over The

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Since it’s foundation in 1894, some of the most talented Irish traditional musicians on the planet have played in Tigh Neachtain.

Tigh Neachtain’s strong connection with Galway’s arts and musical communities adds to the allure of its already welcoming interior.

Whether you are looking for a seat by the fire, on a chilly winter’s day, or to soak up the atmosphere of Galway City while enjoying a drink in our beer garden, Tigh Neachtain’s door is always open.

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1 King’s Head Bar & Bistro 2 Claddagh & Celtic Jewellery 3 The Skeff 4 DNA Nightclub 5 Scene in Galway 6 Gala 24 Hour Eyre Sq 7 Tigh Neachtains 8 Thomas Dillon’s 9 McDonagh's 10 The Quays Late Bar 11 The Dáil Bar 12 The Front Door 13 Curry’s Fun park, Salthill 14 The Galleon, Salthill 15 VR World 16 Finnegans 17 Monroe's Tavern He 18 Amber Giftshop nr yS 19 Galway United FC tre et 20 Galway City Karting 21 What's For Dinner 22 XVAcademy 23 Mr. Vape 24 Olso Bar 25 The Dew Drop Inn 26 The Salthouse

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Food | Sports | Late Bar | Live Music

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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.

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.

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.

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’

...definitely something different!

226 UPPER SALTHILL, GALWAY

GALWAY’S BIGGEST SCREEN ALL SIX NATIONS BEING SHOWN FOOD SERVED ALL DAY - 27 BEERS ON DRAUGHT

OPENING HOURS:

MON -THUR: 12PM - 11:30PM FRI & SAT: 12PM - 12:30AM SUNDAY: 12PM - 11PM

HOME OF GALWAY BAY BREWERY

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Puzzle Scene in Galway

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)