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History
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Irish in America

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For information on Irish family crests, the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland is the Republic of Ireland's authority on all heraldic matters relating to Ireland. Interest in Irish family crests can come from Irish abroad. The tradition of the Irish abroad seeking grants of arms from the Chief Herald continues to this day. The Office accepts petitions for grants of arms not only from all Irish citizens, male or female, and persons normally resident in Ireland. The Office will also respond to requests regarding Irish family crests from persons living abroad who are of provable Irish descent in either the paternal or maternal line and persons with significant links to Ireland. Irish family crests feature various symbols. Different colors, lines, birds and plants all have their own special meaning. Other symbols found on Irish family crests include heart, hand, anchor, tower and cross. From ancient times Irish society was organized around traditional kinship groups or clans. These Irish clans traced their origins to larger Irish clans such as Uí Briúin in Connacht. Within these larger Irish clans there tended to be one sept who became more powerful than others for a period of time. This process occurred through war and politics and the leaders of Irish clans were accorded the status of royalty in Gaelic Ireland. Some of the more important septs to achieve this power were O'Conor in Connacht and O'Brien of Thomond in Munster. The largely symbolic role of High King of Ireland tended to rotate among the leaders of these royal Irish clans. The larger or more important Irish clans were led by a Taoiseach or Chief who had the status of royalty and the smaller and more dependent Irish clans were led by Chieftains. Under Brehon Law the leaders of Irish clans were appointed by their kinsmen as custodians of the clan and were responsible for maintaining and protecting their clan and its property. The Irish clans system formed the basis of society up to the 17th century.

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History of the Irish in America

History
of the
Irish in America