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.

It's not too late to get one more festival in for the season! This is the last weekend of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and they're winding things up with an Irish theme. The Shamrocks & Shenanigans party runs through September 27 & 28, with an Irish village, Irish food, Irish dancers and music, Guinness tastings, and a keg toss (among other disturbances of the peace). Enjoy!

Meet the Fitzpatricks

The Fitzpatrick Coat-of-Arms

If you're a Fitzpatrick, perhaps you know that 'Fitz' is a Norman-French prefix attached to a Gaelic-Irish surname. But, perhaps you didn't know that only Fitzpatricks and Fitzdermots are considered to be in that category. The other Fitzes (like Fitzgerald or Fitzgibbon) are of Hiberno-Norman descent, which is a distinct group that came over during the Norman invasion.

During the time of the Norman invasion, some Irish were given anglicised equivalents; FitzPatrick was the equivalent for  Mac Giolla Phádraig. As you might guess, Phádraig is Irish for Patrick, and this family was named for their devotion to St. Patrick. Fitzpatricks, you are descended from Irish kings! Read more about the Fitzpatrick coat-of-arms and family name here.

Ready for the game?

Football season means . . . flasks! In parts of the country where they have to shovel snow off the field before playing, it's practically a tradition.

Irish Rose is carrying a nice selection of Irish & Celtic flasks these days, including new leather wrapped versions, and gift sets. If having a wee nip on you in case of nippy weather is a tradition in your football-loving family, then drop by the online store for a browse. (They also make fantastic wedding and groomsmen gifts!)

This weekend's Irish & Celtic celebrations, from Arizona to New York

Irish festivals are going strong this weekend, from Nebraska to New York. Here's links to all the Irish and Celtic festivals from September 19-21.

• Eire Irish, Eire, PA
• Southern Illinois Irish Festival, Carbondale, IL
• Wildwood Irish Fall Festival, North Wildwood, NJ
• Appalachian Celtic Connection, Ringgold, GA
• Celtic Harvest Festival, Sedona, AZ
• Greely Irish Festival, Greely, NE
• Hudson Valley Irish Festival, Peekskill, NY