class="apple-converted-space"> and that
this region is that to which St. Patrick returned; being familiar with the
people, language, customs and lands.
The
first Clan to convert to Christianity as the result of St Patrick's efforts was
the Clan Connaill (also known at one time as Clan Dalaigh: in English, this is
pronounced Daley and it translates as "one in a leadership role").
Connaill was a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. As a result on their
acceptance of Christianity, St Patrick blessed the clan members and the sign of
the Cross appeared on the chieftain's shield and this became not only the coat
of arms for the clan but also for County Donegal. The
County
Arms of County Donegal, adopted by
Donegal
County Council
in the early
1970s, is based on the old royal arms of the
O'Donnell
Clan. The
County Arms were
designed and granted by the
Genealogical
Office
in Dublin.
Donegal Town itself is famous for
being the former centre of government of the dynasty of O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, who played a
pivotal role in Irish history, and whose original homeland lay further to the
north in the area of Kilmacrenan. From the 15th to the 17th century,
