LIBA Badge

The arms of Ireland as used in our badge are formed by a quartered shield displaying the arms of each of the four provinces. Hallowed by time, steeped in history and tradition, those of Leinster, Connaught and Munster appear to be continuations or adaptations of arms that have in earlier times, wholly or in part, been used for the whole of Ireland. Ulster would seem to be the odd one out in this respect, but they can also be said to have royal connections by combining the arms of the O'Neills and the De Burgos.

Leinster-green -harp of gold with silver strings. This is simply the arms of Ireland as used now and for the past four

centuries, with green field instead of blue. The harp was often shown in the past with part of the frame as a winged female figure, as in the Royal Standard, but in modern times the harp is of a Celtic type associated with Brian Boru

Ulster-gold-red cross with small silver shield at centre, on which is a red hand couped at the wrist, thus combining the

red cross of De Burgos with the red hand of the O'Neills. There is a stirring legend concerning the origin of the red hand passed down from Viking days. As the longboats of a party of Norsemen approached the coast of Northern Ireland their Chief cried out, `The first one to touch land shall be given wealth and great estates', whereupon, a certain O'Neill drew his sword, hacked off one hand at the wrist and hurled it on to the shore. The legend does not tell whether he lived to reap the reward for such initiative.

Munster-blue-three antique crowns of gold. This was without any doubt regarded as the arms of the whole of Ireland prior to the adoption, by Henry VIII and Elizabeth, of the harp motif used today.

Connaught-pale silver and blue-on the left side a black dimidiated eagle conjoined with a bent arm on the right side,

grasping a sword held erect. It has often been said that two powerful families were represented (but never identified); this can be discounted. It is known that some time prior to 1575 a dimidiated eagle and a hand holding a dagger were recognised as the arms for the whole of Ireland. It would appear, therefore, that the arms of Connaught are also a variant of previous national arms.

City of

London-the cross of St George with the red sword of St. Paul in the canton. It is said that this was adopted as the city's arms 1380. The current Arms of the City of London, the cross of St. George with dragon supporters, are an invention of the 17th Century.

The Shamrock as shown on our badge is internationally recognized as the emblem of Ireland. Although our skips may sometimes disagree, it is supposed to bring good luck. It has been associated with Ireland since the time of St Patrick (AD461 ) It is said he used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity to a non-believer. Three leaves on the one stem-hence the indivisible three-in-one.