May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

May the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And may the road always lead you home.

The Claddagh Ring

“These hands are there for friendship,
the heart is there for love.
For loyalty throughout the year,
the crown is raised above.”

One legend that may be closer to historical truth is of a man named Richard Joyce, another member of the Joyce clan and a native of Galway. He left his town to work in the WEest Indies intending to marry his love when he returned. However his ship was captured and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish Goldsmith. In Algiers, with his new master, he was trained in his craft. When William IIIbecame king, he demanded the Moors release all British prisoners. As a result, Richard Joyce was set free. The goldsmith had such a great amount of respect for Richard Joyce that he offered Joyce his daughter and half his wealth if Joyce stayed, but he denied his offer and returned home to marry his love who awaited his return. During his time with the Moors he forged a ring as a symbol of his love for her. Upon his return he presented her with the ring and they were married.

“With these hands I give you my heart and crown it with my love.”