Twin Peaks returns and we're reminded of the Brennan family

When we heard Twin Peaks was coming back, we were reminded of the kind but clutzy character, Deputy Andy Brennan, played by actor Harry Goaz. In the show, Deputy Brennan was a lawman, but the real Brennan family does have a skeleton in their closet, the infamous "Brennan on the Moor." This old, traditional Irish tune tells the story of Brennan, the "brave young highwayman," who was on the opposite side of the law as Deputy Andy, but still managed to win hearts.

Are you a Brennan, or do you know an outstanding Brennan? Send them to the Brennan page on the Irish Rose website to learn more about their family name (its origins in Kilkenny, Mayo, Sligo & Roscommon), view the Brennan family coat-of-arms, and see a list of famous Brennans.

Meet the O'Neills . . . and their blood red hand

The O'Neill coat-of-arms featuring
the bloody red hand of Ulster
legend.

Fancy a bloody coat-of-arms tale to keep you up at night? The O'Neill coat-of-arms is one of the darker and bloodier Irish heraldry stories.

Known as the Red Hand of Ulster, and featured on that county coat-of-arms, the red hand symbol is also part of the O'Neill family crest. Here's how Wikipedia explains the legend(s) of the red hand,

"According to one myth, the kingdom of Ulster had at one time no rightful heir. Because of this it was agreed that a boat race should take place and that 'whosoever's hand is the first to touch the shore of Ireland, so shall he be made the king.' 

"One potential king so desired the kingship that, upon seeing that he was losing the race, he cut off his hand and threw it to the shore—thus winning the kingship. The hand is most likely red to represent the fact that it would have been covered in blood. According to some versions of the story, the king who cut off his hand belonged to the Uí Néill clan, which apparently explains its association with them. Another variation of this story concludes that it was none other than Niall of the Nine Hostages who severed his own hand in order to win his crown from his brother. 

"A different myth tells of two giants who engaged in battle. One had his hand cut off by the other, and a red imprint of the hand was left on the rocks."

Either way, it's a chilling chapter in a very long and noble family history. Read more O'Neill coat-of-arms information here.

The season of Samhain is upon us

Traditional Irish halloween Jack-o'-lantern
made with a turnip

Halloween costumes and decorations are popping up everywhere, and in our part of the world the leaves are changing and the dark is encroaching on the daylight.

Ireland may have been the birthplace of Halloween, or Samhain as the Celts called it. Oíche Shamhna (October 31) is Halloween and Lá na Marbh (November 1) is the Day of the Dead, or All Saints Day.

So, turn on all the lights and read more about the Celtic and Irish connection to our modern ghostly holiday here in this story from Irish Central by Michelle K. Smith, The Spookiest Ancient Irish Myths and Legends Surrounding Halloween.