The Mayo Ring
Robert Blacoe Jewellers one of the leading jewellers and goldsmiths in the West of Ireland has designed and handcrafted a unique ring which incorporates the famous features and ways of life of Mayo and its people. Robert Blacoe Jewellers of Claremorris have combined the past and present in a continuous band of precious metal in the 'Story of Mayo Ring'.
Old Cottage
The illustrations on the ring start at the Old Cottage which represents the bygone days of Mayo and the traditions of the generations of families who have passed through cottages similar to this one. Usually built with local rock, the cottage comprised of just three rooms and often housed a very large family on a very small farm. These same cottages still dot the Mayo countryside though many are ruins now. Some of them stand empty since the Famine of 1845 - 1850 when hunger relentlessly killed millions of people or forced them to emigrate to the Americas or Britain. These cottages are part of our heritage and it is good to see that there are now many projects in Mayo which have undertaken their preservation and restoration.
Mayo County Coat of Arms
Next along the ring is the Mayo County Coat of Arms which is renowned all over the world as Mayo immigrants reach all parts of the globe and hold their County emblem close to their hearts. The Coat of Arms also represents the sporting traditions of Mayo. Our County teams in the various minor and senior GAA championships wear the Coat of Arms on their jerseys with pride.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is one of the most distinguishing features of the Mayo countryside and takes the next place along the ring. Named after our patron Saint, this peaked mountain is famous the world over and many visitors make the long journey to Croagh Patrick to climb to its summit on the last Sunday of every July. This is an ancient tradition where pilgrims of every age, both young and old, trek up the mountain, often in their bare feet, as it is believed that Saint Patrick frequently came here to enjoy the peace and tranquillity and breath-taking views on the summit of Croagh Patrick.
Currach
Moving on to the Currach which reflects the way of life of thousands of fishermen in Mayo. Undeterred by the unpredictable weather, the fishermen brave the erratic sea daily in these small boats. A common scene off the coast of Mayo is of a lone fisherman lifting lobster pots or taking in nets hoping that his catch is a good one. The fishing industry has fed and supplied a living to generations of Mayo people and is still a major contributor to both our local economy and the economy of Ireland.
Knock Emblem
The Knock Emblem follows which represents the importance of the little town of Knock as it too has contributed enormously, both religiously and economically, to the development of Mayo. Thousands of people from all over the world visit Knock annually to pray at the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1879. The apparition was witnessed by 15 locals and comprised of Our Lady, Saint Joseph and Saint John, the Evangelist. Beside them and a little to their right was an altar bearing a cross and a lamb which is now depicted on the Knock Emblem. Knock ranks as one of the worls's major Marian shrines and enjoyed an historic visit from the Pope in 1979. Knock is also noteworthy for its international airport. The brainchild of Monseignor Horan, Knock International Airport has opened up Mayo to the world and has brought much industrial development to the area.
Yew Tree
The Yew Tree as detailed on the Mayo Coat of Arms is the next image on the ring. This tree is very common to the Mayo countryside and is often found in church-yards or cemeteries. On the Blacoe ring, the Yew tree symbolises the wild but beautiful natural growth of the Mayo countryside and its contribution to ensuring that Mayo is one of the most appealing and unspoiled Counties in Ireland.
Granuaile or Grace o'Malley
The next image on the ring is of Granuaile or Grace o'Malley as she is known in English, one of the most prominent women in the history of Mayo. Born in 1530, Granuaile was the daughter of the Chieftain of the O'Malley clan who ruled the kingdom of Umhall on the West coast of Mayo. Described in her time as "a most famous feminine sea captain" by the English Lord Deputy of Ireland, Sir Henry Sidney, Granuaile aggressively defended and maintained her family fortunes through both legitimate trade and piracy on the Atlantic waters. With residences on Clare Island, Achill Island, Westport and Carraigahowley on Clew Bay, Granuaile's influence and reputation was far-reaching throughout not only Mayo but also in Britain, France, Spain and Portugal. She is now described as the most remarkable woman in Irish history and is admired and respected for her brave and unconventional role as an Irish woman.
Waves
The last image on the ring is of the Waves which remind us of the power of nature that surrounds the lengthy Mayo coastline and the special relationship Mayo people have with the sea. The sea has sustained and nourished the people of Mayo and in days gone by was the only link with traders and visitors from other countries.
Speaking at his branch in Claremorris, Robert Blacoe, designer of the ring, stated that he always wanted to create a ring for Mayo since he opened the shop there.
"This ring is exclusive to Blacoe Jewellers, designed and handcrafted for the people of Mayo and of course for all those who hold a special place for Mayo in their hearts."
Blacoe Jewellers are renowned for their distinctive in-house handcrafted diamond rings and Celtic jewellery and the Story of Mayo Ring is the latest addition to this contemporary range.
Availability
To order your ring contact deirdre@blacoe.com
To order online visit Robert Blacoe's web site.
