Just wanted to remark that I had heard the "1st to touch the land would rule all of Ireland" version also. I would expect that there should be something, somewhere to back up one of these tales because the "Red Hand of Ireland" is on the family crest. Also - I was wondering if anyone has an explanation regarding two versions of the O'Neill family motto: I'm doing this from memory so bear with me please! One is Lamh Dearg Abu and one is Lamh Dearg Eirin. Here is a great site for viewing family crests, etc. http://www.maui.net/~mauifun/crest.htm Lori O'Neill Shelton lori@ipong.com www.ipong.com O'Neill, Buckley, Gastman