“Macha – máthaır, bandıa, banríon, gaıs[c]íoch/mother, goddess, queen, warrior.” Armagh is named after Macha, who is shown here pregnant against knot-work of three interwoven horses. In one story about Macha, she wins a race against the horses of Connor, the king of Ulster, even though she is pregnant. The race caused her to give birth and she cursed the men of the Red Branch for nine generations, which would leave them all – except for Cú Chulaınn – unable to fight to the forces of Medb (Visual History).
“Artist: Sheila McGaffin – Samhaın 2025”. McGaffin was profiled in Armagh Jobs.
Above the Cuchulainn Bar in Dobbin Street, Armagh
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
T08329 T08330
Paddy Duffy Collection 