Misty fables surrounds one of Ireland's unique treasures, "The Claddagh" a symbol of Love, Friendship and loyalty.
When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart". A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged.
The Origins of the Claddagh Ring even yet remains a matter for conjecture, both popular stories of its origins attribute it to the Joyce family of Galway City. The two stories are as follows.


The first story says that a Margaret Joyce married Domingo de Rona, a wealthy Spanish merchant who traded with Galway. They proceeded to Spain, where he died,leaving her a considerable fortune. Returning to Galway she used her fortune to build bridges from Galway to Sligo, and re-married Oliver Og French, Major of Galway 1596/7. She was rewarded for her good works and charity by an eagle who dropped the original Claddagh ring into her lap. 


The second story says that a Richard Joyce of Galway was captured by Algerian corsairs, sold to a Moorish goldsmith who trained him in the craft. In 1689 he was released from slavery as a result of a demand from King William III. The Moor offered him his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home. He brought with him the idea of the Claddagh ring. The earliest Claddagh rings to be traced bear his mark and the initial letters of his name, RI (Richard Joyce). 


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Claddagh The Ring Of Love

There's a tale
of a little village of Ireland
Claddagh of fishing fame,
Who made a sigils image
for the fishermen
A symbol very brave.

It spoke for mighty power
upon the wild seas
So was fashioned into golden rings
Our ancestors to hold forever
As memory of their kin.

Mothers bequeathed them to their daughters
An inheritance to keep,
For suitors to know how it was worn
To change it was a feat.

When the crown was in,
upon her right hand
A lass flew as a bird,
But, if it was crown and heart out
She was a taken girl.

Then when she tied the marriage knot
It was swapped to her left hand
Heart and crown turned out
To tell the world she had her man.

Together forever the promise of love
Hand in hand upon life's path,
The circle of oneness to never end
Sealed by God within the heart.

The crown is for the Heavenly Father
The left hand for the Son,
The right hand for the Holy Ghost
Our hearts to be won.

Derry's Heart Poems © 2005

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Claddagh Song

My thoughts are as glad as the morning
My heart is as light as the dew
With this ring, I remember the passion
And I can think only of you

Your gift of those bright happy hours
Stay with me through each night and day
With hands joined forever and ever
More than mere words can ever convey

Together we stand in a rainbow
And glow with the colours of love
Forever, we will be together
Held in the bond of our love

 Anne Agnew

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