The Ó Dálaigh were a learned Irish bardic family who first came to prominence early in the 12th century, when Cú Connacht Ó Dálaigh was described as "The first Ollamh of poetry in all Ireland".
The Latin motto translates as 'Faithful to God and King', an Irish language alternative meaning 'Swift and Strong' (referencing the greyhound crest and lion blazon), is often preferred.
"Harp of Cnoc I'Chosgair, you who bring sleep to eyes long sleepless; sweet subtle, plangent, glad, cooling grave. Excellent instrument with smooth gentle curve, trilling under red fingers, musician that has charmed us, red, lion-like of full melody. You who lure the bird from the flock, you who refresh the mind, brown spotted one of sweet words, ardent, wondrous, passionate." Gofraidh Fionn Ó Dálaigh.
Denis Daly of Dunsandle, MP for Galway. A portrait by Joshua Reynolds. The name Denis was used as an anglicised approximation of Donnchadh
The fili, plural filid, filidh, was a member of an elite class of poets in Ireland, and later Scotland, up until the Renaissance. The filid were believed to have the power of divination, and therefore able to foresee, foretell, predict – important events.
An Ollaimh Righ at the coronation of Alexander III as King of Scots, 1249.
Footprint used in king-making ceremonies, Dunadd
