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Your Eye on Life in North Fingal
Welcome to TheRaven.ie My name is Niall Keady, and I'm the photographer behind this visual exploration of North Fingal, Ireland. My passion lies in street photography – documenting everyday scenes, interesting buildings, unique characters, and the charm of local shop fronts.
Sharing the Heart of Skerries and Beyond
Based in Skerries with my wife, two children (Ben and Emma), three dogs, and four cats, I find endless inspiration in my surroundings. From energetic community events to the tranquil corners of our towns, I strive to capture the essence of Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Lusk, Garristown, Naul, Oldtown, Man O'War and Balrothery.
A Growing Community Hub
TheRaven.ie is designed as a vibrant community hub, connecting residents and visitors with North Fingal. Explore my latest galleries on the website, follow me on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates, and share your stories and event tips.
Beyond the Snapshot: Commissions, Shop, and Patronage
I offer photography services for events and commissions to sustain this project and continue to grow my skills. Keep an eye out for my online shop featuring my best work. If you enjoy my work and want to support TheRaven.ie, please consider becoming a patron. Your contributions will help keep this vibrant community project growing.
The Story of The Ravens
The Battle of Clontarf
In the year 1014, a great battle was fought on the fields of Clontarf, near Dublin. The Irish High King, Brian Boru, faced an alliance of Leinstermen and Viking forces led by Sitric Silkenbeard, the Norse King of Dublin.
Legend tells us that before the battle, Brian Boru had a vision. An otherworldly woman, perhaps a banshee, appeared to him, foretelling the battle's outcome and the death of the High King. However, she also promised that Ireland would be freed from Viking control forever.
The Danes and the Raven
The Vikings, particularly those from Denmark, held the raven in high regard. It was a powerful symbol associated with their chief god, Odin. Odin possessed two ravens, named Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory). These ravens flew around the world each day, bringing their master knowledge of all that occurred.
Ravens were often depicted on Viking battle standards and were believed to guide warriors and influence the tides of battle. They carried a strong association with both war and death.
The Raven on the Battlefield
The Battle of Clontarf turned in favor of the Irish. Sitric Silkenbeard's forces were routed, and although Brian Boru was slain, the Viking threat to Ireland was diminished. In the aftermath of the battle, it is said that the Viking Battle Standard featuring Odens Raven was found on the battlefield, a symbolic remnant of the defeated Danish warriors. As the victors the Fingalians took this and claimed it as there own.
Fingal's Symbol
The raven, once a fierce symbol of the Viking invaders, was adopted as a symbol of victory and defiance by the people of the region now known as Fingal. It became a visual reminder of Brian Boru's sacrifice and the hard-fought battle that turned back the Viking forces.
The Significance of Odin's Ravens
The connection to Odin's ravens adds an intriguing layer to the symbolism. The Irish, by seizing the raven as their emblem, may have been subverting the Viking symbol. Instead of signifying Viking knowledge and power, it came to symbolize Viking defeat and the knowledge the Irish gained through their triumph.
Legacy
To this day, the raven remains the symbol of Fingal, proudly featured on the coat of arms of Fingal County Council. It's a captivating story where a symbol once associated with an invading force transformed into a powerful representation of Irish victory and resilience.
