Here is one of the new boards on Tates Avenue (the others will be featured over the next two days). It shows a ship racing towards shore, superimposed over a 1659 map of Ulster by Blaeu.
“The Red Hand Of Ulster: According to legend Ulster had at one time no rightful heir. It was agree that a boat race should take place and that whoever’s hand first touched the shore would become king. One contended, upon seeing that he was losing the race, cut off his hand and threw it ashore to win. O’Neill is said to have been the chieftain who cut his hand off to become the King of Ulster. The Red Hand is a key emblem of Ulster’s identity, an ancient and powerful symbol that is traditionally shown as a blood red hand.”
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Copyright © 2016 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Extramural Activity 